The Department of State Services (DSS) has officially begun contacting applicants for the next stage of the 2025 recruitment exercise. Fresh reports from multiple states confirm that the agency is now sending SMS invitations to qualified candidates, asking them to report to their respective state commands for documentation.
This update marks a major step forward in the current DSS recruitment cycle and indicates that the vetting and background verification stages have been concluded for many applicants. Candidates who receive the SMS are expected to visit their state DSS office with the required documents for verification and record-keeping.
DSS Begins Documentation Nationwide
According to reliable updates circulating across recruitment channels, several applicants have received a message from their state command notifying them to come with photocopies of their credentials and passport photographs.
The SMS reads:
“You are requested to report at the DSS office, Port Harcourt tomorrow 18/11/2025 by 2PM with photocopies of your credentials and 2 passport photographs.”
This particular message originated from the Rivers State command and recipients were instructed to acknowledge the SMS immediately.
More reports show that DSS Jigawa, Sokoto, Borno and Rivers have already begun reaching out to applicants and more states are expected to join as the process continues.
Meaning of the DSS Documentation Invitation
If you have received the message, it means:
- You passed the initial screening
- You passed the vetting and background checks
- You have been shortlisted for the next stage
- You are likely moving closer to the final selection phase
- The documentation stage is extremely important because it allows the DSS to verify:
- Your academic qualifications
- Your identity
- Your age declaration
- Whether your documents match the information you submitted online
Failure to present accurate documents may lead to disqualification.
Documents Required for DSS Documentation (2025)
If you receive the SMS, ensure you go along with the following:
- Photocopies of your academic certificates (WAEC/NECO, ND, HND, BSc as applicable)
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Certificate of origin
- Two recent passport photographs
- Valid means of identification (NIN slip, Voter’s Card or National ID Card)
- Printout of your DSS application slip (if any)
- Copies of any other document you submitted during application
To be safe, go with both originals and photocopies.
Why Only Some States Have Started Calling Applicants
The DSS recruitment process does not begin in all states at the same time. Each state command operates based on instructions from the DSS Headquarters in Abuja.
What this means is:
- Some states start earlier
- Some states contact candidates in batches
- Some states verify documents based on available manpower
If your state has not sent any SMS yet, it does not mean you were not shortlisted. The process is simply ongoing.
What Applicants Should Do Now
While waiting for your own SMS, here are the important steps to take:
1. Keep Your Phone Active
Make sure your phone is always on, charged, and not in “Do Not Disturb” mode. Many candidates miss opportunities because their lines are unreachable.
2. Prepare Your Documents Ahead of Time
Arrange your credentials now so you can move immediately once contacted.
3. Stay Updated
Follow reliable recruitment news sources and avoid fake information circulating on social media.
4. Avoid Paying Anyone
The DSS does not charge money for shortlisting, documentation, or training. Anyone asking for payment is a scammer.
Important Things to Know About DSS Documentation
1) It is not a job guarantee
Being invited for documentation is a very good sign, but it does not automatically mean you have been hired. You must still pass the remaining stages.
2) Some applicants may be screened multiple times
Depending on your state, you may be invited again for physical screening, medical checks or interviews.
3) Dress respectfully and professionally
Even though it is not the final interview, your appearance still matters. Wear:
- A decent shirt
- Plain trousers or skirt
- Closed shoes
- Avoid sandals, ripped jeans or flashy clothing.
States That Have Already Started DSS Documentation (as of the latest update)
- Rivers State (Port Harcourt)
- Jigawa State
- Sokoto State
- Borno State
More states are expected to begin calling before the end of November 2025.
What To Do If You Haven’t Been Contacted Yet
Do NOT panic.
The DSS usually contacts applicants in phases. Some states begin early, while others may take a week or more. Continue monitoring updates and have your documents ready.
Also ensure that:
- Your phone number is not blocked
- Your SMS inbox is not full
- Your line is not switched off for long hours