The Federal Government has officially commenced the 2026 recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), inviting suitably qualified Nigerians to apply for vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspectorate and Assistant Cadres.
The nationwide recruitment exercise, which began on July 28, 2026, offers opportunities for graduates, diploma holders and secondary school certificate holders seeking careers in one of Nigeria’s key agricultural regulatory agencies.
According to information released through the Federal Character Commission (FCC), the recruitment process will remain open until August 10, 2026, after which successful applicants will proceed to the next stages of the selection process, including computer-based tests and interviews.
Authorities have stressed that the recruitment exercise is completely free of charge, warning applicants against individuals or organisations demanding payment in exchange for employment.
What is the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service?
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service is a Federal Government agency responsible for protecting Nigeria’s agricultural sector from harmful pests, diseases and invasive organisms that could threaten crops, livestock, fisheries and the country’s food security.
The agency also ensures that agricultural imports and exports comply with national and international quarantine regulations while supporting safe agricultural trade.
Its officers work at airports, seaports, land borders and other designated inspection points across the country.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are required to complete their applications online through the official NAQS recruitment portal.
The application process includes the following steps:
- Visit the official recruitment portal.
- Create an account if you are a new applicant or log in if you already have one.
- Select your preferred cadre and the position you wish to apply for.
- Carefully complete the online application form using accurate personal, academic and professional information.
- Upload all required credentials and supporting documents.
- Review every section of the application to ensure all information is correct before submitting.
Applicants are advised to ensure their information is complete and accurate, as incorrect or false declarations may result in disqualification.
The agency also warned that applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Available Positions
The recruitment covers vacancies across three major cadres.
Superintendent Cadre
Available positions include:
- Chief Superintendent of Quarantine Care (Veterinary Doctors)
- Deputy Superintendent of Quarantine
- Assistant Superintendent of Quarantine II
These positions are designed primarily for university graduates and professionals with relevant qualifications.
Inspectorate Cadre
The Inspectorate Cadre includes vacancies for:
- Inspector of Quarantine I
- Inspector of Quarantine II
- Inspector of Quarantine III
These positions are open to applicants possessing approved diploma-level qualifications.
Assistant Cadre
Applicants may also apply for:
- Quarantine Assistant I
- Quarantine Assistant II
- Quarantine Assistant III
These positions are available to candidates with the required secondary school qualifications.
Educational Qualifications
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service has outlined different educational requirements depending on the position being applied for.
Applicants seeking appointment as Chief Superintendent of Quarantine Care must possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree together with a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate.
Candidates applying for the Deputy Superintendent of Quarantine position must possess either a degree in Law or a relevant Master’s degree, alongside an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
Applicants for Assistant Superintendent of Quarantine II are required to possess at least a first degree from a recognised higher institution as well as evidence of completion or exemption from the NYSC scheme.
For positions under the Inspectorate Cadre, applicants must possess either an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).
Those applying for vacancies in the Assistant Cadre must have SSCE, NECO or GCE Ordinary Level results with at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings.
General Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the required educational qualifications, applicants must satisfy several general conditions.
Candidates must:
- Be Nigerian citizens by birth.
- Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
- Be medically fit and obtain a certificate of fitness from a government-owned hospital.
- Successfully pass a drug screening test.
- Be of good character with no criminal record.
- Not belong to any secret cult or unlawful organisation.
- Be free from financial embarrassment.
- Demonstrate basic computer literacy.
The agency also established minimum physical requirements for applicants.
Male candidates must be at least 1.65 metres tall with a minimum chest measurement of 0.87 metres, while female applicants must have a minimum height of 1.55 metres.
Medical Conditions and Other Restrictions
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service stated that applicants with certain medical conditions or physical disabilities that may affect operational duties should not apply.
The advisory specifically mentioned severe speech impairment, significant hearing impairment, total blindness, obesity and limb deformities among conditions that could affect eligibility.
Pregnant women were also advised not to participate in the recruitment exercise because of the physical nature of the training and job requirements.
Recruitment Schedule
The agency has published the timetable for the 2026 recruitment exercise.
The key dates are as follows:
- Application opens: July 28, 2026
- Application closes: August 10, 2026
- Shortlisted candidates announced: August 13, 2026
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) and interviews: August 15, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to monitor official announcements for any updates regarding venues, examination schedules and additional screening requirements.
Important Warning to Applicants
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service has cautioned members of the public against fraudsters who may claim to offer employment opportunities in exchange for money.
According to the agency, the recruitment exercise is entirely free, and no applicant should pay any individual, organisation or intermediary for application forms, shortlisting or employment.
Officials advised prospective candidates to rely solely on the agency’s official recruitment portal and verified government communication channels for accurate information throughout the exercise.
Applicants are also encouraged to prepare all required documents before the application deadline to avoid last-minute challenges that could affect successful submission.
With vacancies available across multiple cadres, the recruitment exercise provides qualified Nigerians with an opportunity to begin careers in an agency responsible for protecting Nigeria’s agriculture, strengthening food security and supporting safe international agricultural trade.
Source: Wifey News
