The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Recruitment 2026/2027 is currently open to qualified Nigerians interested in careers across maritime operations, engineering, communications and port management.
The current recruitment notice covers nine advertised positions, ranging from trainee opportunities for candidates with secondary or OND-level qualifications to professional and management roles requiring higher maritime qualifications and experience. The available locations include Lagos, Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri and Calabar.
Applications are expected to close on September 23, 2026. One important point applicants should understand is that this particular exercise is not based on an online registration form. Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive CV to the Nigerian Ports Authority’s Human Resources department in Lagos.
The application is free, and applicants should be careful of websites or individuals asking for money in connection with the recruitment exercise.
Update: This article is based on the current NPA recruitment information available in August 2026. Recruitment details can change, so applicants should verify any new information through the official NPA website before submitting documents.
Is NPA Recruitment 2026/2027 Open?
Yes. The Nigerian Ports Authority has opened recruitment for qualified candidates into nine advertised positions.
The vacancies cover different levels of maritime employment, so applicants should not assume that every position has the same qualification, age limit or professional requirements.
Before applying, candidates should identify the position that matches their educational background, maritime certification and experience.
One Important Thing to Know Before Applying
Unlike recruitment exercises that require candidates to create an account and complete an online application form, this NPA recruitment exercise requires a CV-based application.
Applicants are expected to prepare a comprehensive CV containing their contact details, qualifications and relevant professional information and submit it to the NPA Human Resources department in Lagos.
Therefore, applicants should not waste time searching for an online registration form for these vacancies.
What Does the Nigerian Ports Authority Do?
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is the government agency responsible for the administration and management of Nigeria’s ports.
Its operations cover areas including port administration, marine services, harbour operations, engineering, safety, security and other technical activities connected with Nigeria’s maritime sector.
This explains why the current recruitment exercise includes several different career paths rather than a single general position.
NPA Recruitment 2026/2027 Available Positions
The current exercise lists the following nine positions:
| Position | Grade Level | Minimum Qualification | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot Trainee | JSS 2 / GL 06 | OND in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering + Seafarers Medical Certificate | 20–27 |
| Marine Engineering Trainee | JSS 2 / GL 06 | OND in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering + Seafarers Medical Certificate | 20–27 |
| Trainee Seaman | JSS 3 / GL 04 | Five WASSCE science credits including English and Mathematics | 18–25 |
| Signalman-in-Training | JSS 3 / GL 04 | Five WASSCE science credits including English and Mathematics | 18–25 |
| Radio Officer II | SSS 4 / GL 08 | B.Sc/HND in Electrical/Electronics/IT + required maritime certifications | 23–35 |
| Assistant Manager, Radio | SSS 1 / GL 12 | Relevant degree/HND + required certifications and 10 years’ experience | 23–35 |
| Marine Officer II | SSS 4 / GL 08 | OND Nautical Science + OOW Unlimited CoC | 22–35 |
| Senior Marine Officer/Engineer | SSS 2 / GL 10 | Required maritime Certificate of Competency | 25–35 |
| Assistant Manager, Harbours | SSS 1 / GL 12 | Class 1 CoC (Deck) Unlimited + ability to swim | 25–35 |
The requirements above are position-specific, so applicants should read the details for their preferred vacancy instead of relying only on the general qualification level.
Pilot Trainee
The Pilot Trainee position is placed on JSS 2 / Grade Level 06.
Applicants need a minimum of an OND in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering, together with a Seafarers Medical Certificate of Fitness and the mandatory certificates required for the role. Knowledge of ICT is listed as an added advantage, while applicants must be between 20 and 27 years old.
Marine Engineering Trainee
The Marine Engineering Trainee position is also on JSS 2 / Grade Level 06.
It requires an OND in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering, a Seafarers Medical Certificate of Fitness and the relevant mandatory maritime certificates. The stated age range is 20 to 27 years.
Trainee Seaman
Candidates applying for Trainee Seaman are required to have five credits in science subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, in WASSCE or an equivalent examination.
The credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings, and the recruitment information states that only applicants whose certificates were obtained within the last eight years should apply.
The position is classified as JSS 3 / Grade Level 04, with an age range of 18 to 25 years.
Signalman-in-Training
The Signalman-in-Training position is another entry-level opportunity under JSS 3 / Grade Level 04.
Applicants need the specified WASSCE or equivalent science credits, including English Language and Mathematics, and must meet the applicable age and other requirements for the position.
Radio Officer II
The Radio Officer II role is a professional position under SSS 4 / Grade Level 08.
Applicants are expected to have the relevant B.Sc or HND qualification in areas such as Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Information Technology, together with the required maritime certifications including STCW 95 and GMDSS, where specified.
Assistant Manager, Radio
The Assistant Manager, Radio position is classified under SSS 1 / Grade Level 12.
In addition to the relevant academic and professional qualifications required for the Radio Officer II role, candidates are expected to have 10 years of cognate experience.
Marine Officer II
The Marine Officer II position is listed under SSS 4 / Grade Level 08.
Candidates require an OND in Nautical Science together with an Officer of the Watch (OOW) Unlimited Certificate of Competency.
Senior Marine Officer/Engineer
This senior position falls under SSS 2 / Grade Level 10.
Applicants are expected to possess the relevant professional maritime Certificate of Competency, such as the certification specified for the deck or engineering route.
Assistant Manager, Harbours
The Assistant Manager, Harbours role is a senior position under SSS 1 / Grade Level 12.
Applicants require a Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Deck) Unlimited, and the ability to swim is specifically listed as a requirement for this position. The stated age range is 25 to 35 years.
General Things Applicants Should Know
Because the positions have different requirements, there is no single qualification or age limit that applies to everyone.
Applicants should therefore:
- Check the requirements of the exact position they want to apply for.
- Make sure all required professional maritime certificates are available.
- Confirm that they fall within the specified age range.
- Prepare a complete CV.
- Provide an active email address and reachable phone number.
- Use a physical contact address rather than a P.O. Box.
- Ensure the qualifications listed in the CV can be supported with genuine documents.
- Understand that meeting the minimum requirement does not automatically guarantee selection.
What Should Be Included in the NPA Application CV?
Since the NPA recruitment 2026/2027 is based on CV submission, applicants should make sure their CV contains the information required for the position.
Your CV should include:
| Information | What to Provide |
|---|---|
| Email address | An active email account you regularly check |
| Contact address | A physical address; P.O. Box is not accepted |
| Phone number | A reachable mobile number |
| Academic qualifications | Relevant certificates and qualifications |
| Professional certifications | Maritime certificates relevant to the vacancy |
| Work experience | Relevant professional or maritime experience |
| Other relevant details | Information requested for the particular position |
Professional certifications such as STCW 95, GMDSS, OOW and Certificates of Competency should be clearly stated where they apply to the position.
How to Apply for NPA Recruitment 2026/2027
Qualified candidates can follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the Vacancy
Start by identifying the NPA position that matches your actual qualification, certification and experience.
Step 2: Prepare Your CV
Prepare a comprehensive and up-to-date CV containing your email address, physical contact address, phone number, qualifications and relevant professional certifications.
Step 3: Address the Application Correctly
Applications should be addressed to:
The General Manager, Human Resources
Nigerian Ports Authority
26/28 Marina
Lagos, Nigeria
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit your CV/application according to the recruitment notice’s stated method. Current vacancy information directs applicants to the NPA Human Resources department at the address above.
Step 5: Keep Your Proof of Submission
Keep a copy of the CV and application you submitted. If you are sending the application by post, keep your postage or submission evidence where available.
Step 6: Wait for Shortlisting
Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Where Can Successful Applicants Be Posted?
The recruitment exercise covers positions in:
- Lagos
- Port Harcourt
- Onne, Rivers State
- Warri, Delta State
- Calabar, Cross River State
Applicants should therefore be prepared for possible deployment to any of the locations associated with their selected position.
What Happens After the NPA Application?
Submitting an application does not mean automatic employment.
According to the recruitment information, shortlisted candidates are expected to proceed through:
Written Test → Interview → Medical Examination
Only candidates who successfully progress through the recruitment process can move toward final appointment.
What Salary Grade Does NPA Use?
The advertised positions fall under different NPA salary scales, including JSS 3, JSS 2, SSS 4, SSS 2 and SSS 1.
For example, entry-level trainee roles are listed under JSS grades, while officer and management positions appear under SSS grades. The recruitment notice does not provide exact monthly naira salaries for the advertised positions, so applicants should be careful with websites publishing specific salary figures without an official source.
READ ALSO:
NDLEA Recruitment 2026/2027: Requirements, Portal and How to Apply
INEC Recruitment 2026/2027: Apply For Permanent Staff And Ad-Hoc Election Jobs
Common Mistakes NPA Applicants Should Avoid
Before submitting your application, check that you are not making any of these mistakes:
- Applying for a position without the required professional certification.
- Ignoring the age requirement for your chosen position.
- Sending a CV without your phone number or email address.
- Using a P.O. Box as your contact address.
- Providing incomplete information.
- Applying for a position that does not match your qualification.
- Ignoring specific requirements such as the ability to swim where applicable.
- Paying someone who promises to secure the position for you.
- Searching for an unofficial online application portal.
Is NPA Recruitment 2026/2027 Free?
Yes. The NPA recruitment process is free.
Applicants should not pay anyone for an application form, recruitment slot, shortlisting or employment. Current vacancy information specifically states that there is no fee required for the employment process.
Beware of Fake NPA Recruitment Websites
Applicants should be particularly careful with recruitment websites because the NPA has warned about websites impersonating the Authority and requesting employment applications.
Keep these points in mind:
- Do not pay anyone for NPA recruitment.
- Do not provide your banking PIN or OTP to anyone.
- Be careful with websites claiming to be the NPA recruitment portal.
- Verify recruitment information through the official NPA website.
- Do not assume that a website is genuine simply because it uses “NPA” in its domain name.
- Keep your application documents private and submit them only through the appropriate channel.
NPA Recruitment 2026/2027 Closing Date
The current application deadline is September 23, 2026. Applicants should complete and submit their applications before the closing date rather than waiting until the final day.
If NPA announces a change to the deadline, applicants should rely on the Authority’s official communication.
Frequently Asked Questions About NPA Recruitment 2026/2027
Is NPA Recruitment 2026/2027 currently open?
Yes. NPA is currently recruiting for nine advertised positions, with applications closing on September 23, 2026.
Is there an online NPA recruitment portal?
No online application form is being used for these vacancies. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive CV to the NPA Human Resources department in Lagos.
What is the closing date for NPA Recruitment 2026/2027?
The current application deadline is September 23, 2026.
How do I apply for NPA Recruitment 2026/2027?
Prepare a comprehensive CV and submit your application to the General Manager, Human Resources, Nigerian Ports Authority, 26/28 Marina, Lagos, following the instructions for the vacancy.
Is NPA recruitment free?
Yes. Applicants are not required to pay a recruitment or employment fee.
How many positions is NPA recruiting for?
The current recruitment notice lists nine different positions, covering trainee, officer, technical and management-level opportunities.
What is the minimum qualification for NPA recruitment?
There is no single qualification for all positions. Requirements range from WASSCE credits for some trainee roles to OND, HND, degrees and professional maritime certifications for other positions.
What is the NPA recruitment age limit?
The age requirement depends on the position. The advertised age ranges include 18–25, 20–27, 22–35, 23–35 and 25–35 years.
Can an OND holder apply for NPA recruitment?
Yes. OND holders may qualify for positions such as Pilot Trainee, Marine Engineering Trainee or Marine Officer II, depending on the specific discipline and professional requirements.
Do NPA applicants need maritime certificates?
For several positions, yes. Professional maritime certifications such as STCW, GMDSS, OOW or Certificates of Competency are required depending on the vacancy.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is specifically listed as a requirement for the Assistant Manager, Harbours position and may be relevant to other maritime roles depending on the stated requirements.
Where are NPA recruitment positions located?
The advertised positions cover Lagos, Port Harcourt, Onne in Rivers State, Warri in Delta State and Calabar in Cross River State.
What happens after the NPA application?
Shortlisted applicants are expected to undergo a written test, interview and medical examination before final selection.
Does NPA charge a recruitment fee?
No. The recruitment process is free. Applicants should be suspicious of anyone demanding money in connection with the exercise.
Conclusion
The NPA Recruitment 2026/2027 exercise provides opportunities across several areas of maritime and port operations, from trainee positions to professional and management-level roles. However, the requirements are not the same for every vacancy, so applicants should focus on the position that matches their qualification, age and professional certification.
The application deadline is September 23, 2026, and applicants should pay particular attention to the application method because this exercise is based on CV submission rather than a standard online registration form.
Most importantly, do not pay anyone to secure an NPA job. Prepare your documents carefully, submit your application through the appropriate NPA Human Resources channel and verify any new recruitment information before acting on it.