Vacancies and How to Get a Job at Nigerian Ports Authority (Salary, Roles & Application Guide)
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is recruiting for nine positions across its maritime and port operations in Nigeria. The vacancies range from trainee opportunities for young Nigerians with secondary-school qualifications to experienced marine, engineering and radio professionals.
The available positions are based in Lagos, Rivers, Delta and Cross River states, making this a potentially valuable opportunity for Nigerians searching for NPA jobs in Nigeria 2026 and careers in the maritime sector. The application deadline for all nine positions is 23 September 2026.
One important point: this recruitment covers very different career levels. Some positions are designed for experienced maritime professionals, while others provide an entry point for younger candidates interested in building a career with the NPA.
About the Nigerian Ports Authority
The Nigerian Ports Authority is a Federal Government agency responsible for governing and operating Nigeria's ports. Its operations cover major facilities including Lagos Port Complex, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Tin Can Island Port Complex, Calabar Port Complex, Delta Ports, Rivers Port Complex and Onne Port Complex.
The authority operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and works with other government agencies involved in maritime operations.
For job seekers, NPA is particularly interesting because its workforce covers much more than traditional administrative roles. Marine operations, port management, vessel navigation, radio communications and technical services all create opportunities for people with specialised qualifications.
Available NPA Positions
The nine vacancies are:
- Assistant Manager, Harbours
- Senior Marine Officer / Engineer
- Marine Officer II
- Assistant Manager, Radio
- Radio Officer II
- Signalman-in-Training
- Trainee Seaman
- Marine Engineering Trainee
- Pilot Trainee
All nine positions are located across Lagos, Rivers, Delta and Cross River.
1. Assistant Manager, Harbours
What You'll Do (Simplified)
This is a senior maritime operations position involving harbour-related responsibilities within NPA's port locations.
The position is aimed at experienced maritime professionals who already possess the required deck competency certification.
Who This Role Is Best For
This role is best suited to experienced deck officers and maritime professionals rather than fresh graduates.
Applicants need a Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Deck) Unlimited and a Seafarers Medical Certificate. The stated age range is 25 to 35 years.
Estimated Salary Range
SSS 1 (GL 12).
The vacancy does not provide a naira salary figure.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV and application to:
The General Manager, Human Resources
Nigerian Ports Authority
26/28 Marina
Lagos
Your application should include your email address, contact address, mobile number and qualifications.
How to Increase Your Chances
Make your maritime certifications immediately visible on your CV. Do not bury your Certificate of Competency among other qualifications.
Also highlight relevant vessel, deck and harbour experience and ensure your medical certification is current.
2. Senior Marine Officer / Engineer
What You'll Do (Simplified)
This role is intended for qualified marine professionals working at NPA port locations. It requires a higher level of maritime certification and experience than the Marine Officer II position.
Who This Role Is Best For
It is suitable for experienced deck officers holding a Class 2 Certificate of Competency (Deck), Chief Mate Unlimited or 1st Mate Certificate.
Applicants must also have a Seafarers Medical Certificate and be between 25 and 35 years old.
Estimated Salary Range
SSS 2 (GL 10).
How to Apply
Send your application and comprehensive CV to the General Manager, Human Resources, Nigerian Ports Authority, 26/28 Marina, Lagos.
The deadline is 23 September 2026.
How to Increase Your Chances
Put your highest maritime certification near the top of your CV. Recruiters should be able to confirm your eligibility within seconds.
3. Marine Officer II
What You'll Do (Simplified)
This is a marine operations role for candidates with nautical training and the required Officer of the Watch certification.
Who This Role Is Best For
The position is suitable for candidates with an OND in Nautical Science and an OOW (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency.
Applicants must also have a Seafarers Medical Certificate and be between 22 and 35 years old.
Estimated Salary Range
SSS 4 (GL 08).
How to Apply
Submit your CV and application to the NPA's General Manager, Human Resources, at 26/28 Marina, Lagos.
How to Increase Your Chances
Make sure your CV clearly connects your nautical education, certification and practical maritime experience. If you have sea-time experience, state it clearly rather than assuming recruiters will infer it.
4. Assistant Manager, Radio
What You'll Do (Simplified)
This technical position focuses on maintaining radio and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) equipment and ensuring reliable communication systems.
The role also involves monitoring the quality and effectiveness of radio communications.
Who This Role Is Best For
The position is targeted at experienced technical professionals with a B.Sc. or HND in Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Information Technology.
Applicants also need STCW'95 and GMDSS certification and 10 years of relevant experience.
Estimated Salary Range
SSS 1 (GL 12).
How to Apply
Send your application and comprehensive CV to the General Manager, Human Resources, Nigerian Ports Authority, 26/28 Marina, Lagos.
How to Increase Your Chances
Your CV should show hands-on experience with radio, communications or VTS-related equipment. Generic IT experience alone may not demonstrate the technical fit required for this role.
5. Radio Officer II
What You'll Do (Simplified)
The Radio Officer II role supports the operation and maintenance of radio and VTS communication equipment.
You would be expected to help keep communication facilities functioning properly and monitor the quality of radio communications.
Who This Role Is Best For
Candidates need a B.Sc. or HND in Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Information Technology, together with STCW'95 and GMDSS certification.
The stated age range is 23 to 35 years.
Estimated Salary Range
JSS 4 (GL 08).
How to Apply
Submit your application and CV to the General Manager, Human Resources, NPA, 26/28 Marina, Lagos.
How to Increase Your Chances
Highlight your GMDSS and STCW qualifications prominently. Also explain any experience you have maintaining communication systems, maritime radio equipment or related technical infrastructure.
6. Signalman-in-Training
What You'll Do (Simplified)
This is an entry-level training opportunity for young Nigerians interested in maritime and port operations.
Who This Role Is Best For
Applicants need at least five science credits, including English and Mathematics, in no more than two sittings in WAEC or an equivalent qualification.
The certificate must have been obtained within the previous eight years. Applicants must be aged 18 to 25, while ICT knowledge is an added advantage.
Estimated Salary Range
JSS 3 (GL 04).
How to Apply
Send your application and CV to the General Manager, Human Resources, Nigerian Ports Authority, 26/28 Marina, Lagos.
How to Increase Your Chances
For trainee roles, focus on accuracy and eligibility. Ensure your WAEC results clearly meet the stated requirements and that your age and certificate date fall within the specified limits.
7. Trainee Seaman
What You'll Do (Simplified)
This is another entry-level pathway into maritime work with the NPA.
Successful candidates would receive an opportunity to develop practical experience in the seafaring environment.
Who This Role Is Best For
The position is open to candidates aged 18 to 25 with at least five science credits, including English and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings.
Only candidates whose certificates were obtained within the last eight years are eligible. ICT knowledge is an added advantage.
Estimated Salary Range
JSS 3 (GL 04).
How to Apply
Send your application and comprehensive CV to the General Manager, Human Resources, Nigerian Ports Authority, 26/28 Marina, Lagos.
How to Increase Your Chances
Swimming ability is specifically identified as a prerequisite for the trainee seaman position. If you apply, be prepared to demonstrate that you can meet the physical and practical demands of maritime work.
8. Marine Engineering Trainee
What You'll Do (Simplified)
This trainee position provides an entry route for candidates interested in marine engineering.
Who This Role Is Best For
Applicants need at least an OND in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering, a Seafarers Medical Certificate of Fitness and a WAEC or equivalent qualification.
Applicants must be between 20 and 27 years old. ICT knowledge is also an advantage.
Estimated Salary Range
JSS 2 (GL 06).
How to Apply
Send your application and CV to the General Manager, Human Resources, Nigerian Ports Authority, 26/28 Marina, Lagos.
How to Increase Your Chances
Emphasise your marine engineering or nautical training. Also ensure your medical fitness documentation is available and your CV clearly shows your technical education.
9. Pilot Trainee
What You'll Do (Simplified)
The Pilot Trainee role is designed for candidates beginning a career in maritime pilotage.
Who This Role Is Best For
The position requires an OND in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering, a Seafarers Medical Certificate of Fitness and a WAEC or equivalent qualification.
Applicants must be aged 20 to 27. ICT knowledge is an added advantage.
Estimated Salary Range
JSS 2 (GL 06).
How to Apply
Applications should be sent to the General Manager, Human Resources, Nigerian Ports Authority, 26/28 Marina, Lagos.
How to Increase Your Chances
Treat this as a specialist maritime career opportunity rather than an ordinary graduate vacancy. Make your nautical or marine engineering qualification, medical fitness and any practical maritime exposure easy to identify.
How to Successfully Apply for Jobs at Nigerian Ports Authority
A strong application starts with following the instructions exactly.
Your CV should clearly include:
- Full name and contact details
- Email address
- Residential/contact address
- Educational qualifications
- Professional and maritime certifications
- Relevant work experience
- Technical skills
- Medical or competency certifications where applicable
For NPA recruitment, avoid sending a generic CV designed for office jobs if you are applying for a marine position.
Use relevant terms such as:
Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Certificate of Competency, OOW, GMDSS, STCW, VTS, radio communications, harbour operations, seafarer, maritime operations and marine safety, where they genuinely apply to your background.
If you are researching how to apply for jobs at Nigerian Ports Authority, the application instructions in the vacancy are particularly important: applications are to be submitted to the General Manager, Human Resources, at NPA's Marina, Lagos office.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for a role you do not qualify for: Check age, education, certificates and experience before applying.
- Leaving certifications off your CV: Maritime positions depend heavily on specific professional credentials.
- Sending incomplete contact information: NPA specifically requests an email, contact address and mobile telephone number.
- Using a generic CV: Tailor it to the particular marine, technical or trainee position.
- Waiting until the deadline: Submit your application well before 23 September 2026.
- Paying someone for the recruitment process: NPA states that no fee is required for its employment process and warns applicants about fake websites claiming to represent the authority.
Final Advice for NPA Applicants
These NPA vacancies cover a wide range of experience levels, so there is no single "best" position. An experienced maritime officer should focus on the senior marine roles, while younger candidates with the required academic qualifications may find the trainee positions more appropriate.
Most importantly, do not pay anyone for a job. The recruitment notice explicitly states that NPA does not charge applicants for its employment process and has warned the public about fraudulent websites.
