Let’s be honest: the Nigerian job market is fiercely competitive. With thousands of graduates entering the workforce every year and vacancies that seem few and far between, the search can feel overwhelming and, at times, hopeless. The situation is made worse by the proliferation of “job offer” scams designed to exploit your desperation.
This guide cuts through the noise. We list only verified, official portals and trusted platforms. Our goal is not just to help you find a job, but to help you find a legitimate job while protecting you from fraud. Consider this your one-stop, bookmarked reference for navigating the Nigerian employment landscape in 2026.
Top Verified Job Search Portals in Nigeria (Aggregators)
Never apply for a job from a random blog or social media page without verification. Always cross-check vacancies on these established aggregators or the company’s official career page.
Jobberman (jobberman.com): The most professional platform for corporate and white-collar jobs. Their partnership with the Mastercard Foundation makes them a top choice for curated opportunities. Pro Tip: Use their “Job Alert” feature. Set filters for your preferred role, location (e.g., Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt), and get email notifications for new postings.
MyJobMag (myjobmag.com): Excellent for fresh, verified listings updated daily. They have strong relationships with recruiters and often get exclusive postings. Their content on CV writing and interview tips is also very valuable for fresh graduates.
HotNigerianJobs (hotnigerianjobs.com): The oldest and most comprehensive aggregator. It’s particularly useful for tracking mass recruitment drives in sectors like banking, FMCG, and government parastatals. The volume here is high, so refine your search.
For Professional Networking:
- LinkedIn: This is non-negotiable for professional roles. Optimize your profile with keywords like “Financial Analyst,” “Project Manager,” or “Software Engineer.” Follow Nigerian HR heads and recruiters at top firms (e.g., Deloitte Nigeria, PwC Nigeria, Access Bank PLC). Engage with their content and turn on the “Open to Work” feature (visible only to recruiters).
Federal & State Government Recruitment (The “Juicy” Jobs)
Government jobs are highly sought after for their perceived job security, pension benefits, and structure. Recruitment is strictly via official portals, especially after the IPPIS integration. Never pay anyone promising to help you “secure” a slot.
| Agency Name | Official Portal URL | Typical Recruitment Season |
|---|---|---|
| Nigerian Army | recruitment.army.mil.ng | Usually Q1 or Q2 (Announced) |
| Nigeria Police Force | policerecruitment.gov.ng | Varies; follow official announcements |
| NSCDC, Immigration, Fire Service | cdcfib.career | Often a joint portal; recruitment is periodic |
| Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) | www.fcsc.gov.ng | Ongoing for specific MDAs; check regularly |
| N-Power / NASIMS | nasims.gov.ng | When new batches are announced by the govt. |
| State Government Jobs | e.g., jobs.lagosstate.gov.ng | Varies by state; Google “[State Name] job portal” |
⚠️ Critical Note: These portals are ONLY active during specific recruitment windows. If there is no ongoing recruitment, the site may display a closed notice. Bookmark them and check periodically or follow official government social media handles.
Understanding Grade Levels: For graduate entry into Federal Civil Service, you typically start at GL 08 (or GL 09 with a Master’s degree). Ensure your qualifications match the specified grade level in the advertisement.
Private Sector: Banking, Oil & Gas, and Tech
Banking & FinTech
This sector is a major employer of graduates. The primary entry point is the Graduate Trainee Programme.
Key Players: Access Bank, GTBank, Zenith Bank, FirstBank, UBA. Also, fintechs like Moniepoint, OPay, and Kuda.
Crucial Requirements: 1.) A minimum of a Second Class Upper (2:1) degree. 2.) You must be under 26 years old at the point of application (some extend to 28 for tech roles). 3.) NYSC discharge certificate is mandatory.
How to Apply: Only via the banks’ official career websites. They use sophisticated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Oil & Gas (IOCs & Indigenous Companies)
Key Players: Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, NNPC, Seplat.
Crucial Note: International Oil Companies (IOCs) rarely advertise on general job boards. They recruit through:
Their official global career websites (e.g., shell.com/careers).
Specialized recruitment vendors like Dragnet (for GMAT-style tests) or PDI.
Experienced hire headhunters. Be wary of any “blog” claiming to have a direct form for Chevron.
Tech & Startups
Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is booming. Roles here range from Software Engineering and Product Design to Digital Marketing and Sales.
Where to Look: TechCabal’s job board (techcabal.com/jobs) and Techpoint Africa are industry-specific hubs. Also, check the “Careers” page of startups like Flutterwave, Paystack (via Stripe), Andela, and Bamboo.
Skills First: Your portfolio (GitHub for devs, Behance for designers) often carries more weight than just a degree.
Remote Work & Freelancing (Earning in USD)
This is a viable path to bypass local salary ceilings and gain international experience.
Global Platforms: Start with Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal (for top-tier developers). Your profile is your shopfront—make it professional.
The Nigerian Tech Remote Scene: Many Nigerian startups and even foreign companies hire remotely. Follow Tech Twitter (X) and join communities like Node.js Lagos, Forloop on Slack.
Payment Logistics – The Big Question: How do you get paid? This is critical.
Traditional: Payoneer and Wise are widely used. You can receive funds into their virtual accounts.
Fintech Solutions: Use Grey.co (for virtual USD/UK accounts), Geegpay (virtual USD/GBP/EUR accounts), or Payday’s USD account feature. These allow you to receive foreign payments directly and convert to Naira at competitive rates.
Essential Requirements Checklist
Before you hit “apply,” ensure you have these documents and details ready in digital format (PDF or Scanned Image):
NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate: This is mandatory for 95% of graduate-level jobs in both private and public sectors. No credible company will onboard you without it.
National Identification Number (NIN): It’s now required for almost everything, including job applications and opening a bank account for your salary.
O’Level Results (WAEC/NECO): You will need your original certificate or a scratch card details for verification.
A Professional CV:
ATS Compliant: Use a clean, simple format (no graphics, tables, or fancy fonts) for online applications. Use keywords from the job description.
Standard Nigerian Format: Include your Date of Birth, State of Origin, Marital Status (optional), and a clear Contact Address. Have a 1-page version for entry-level roles.
Professional Passport Photograph: Recent, clear, with a plain white background.
SAFETY ALERT: How to Spot a Job Scam in Nigeria
Your safety is paramount. If you see any of these red flags, RUN.
Red Flag 1: Payment for Processing/Registration. NO LEGITIMATE JOB WILL ASK YOU TO PAY FOR APPLICATION FORMS, INTERVIEW SCHEDULING, OR “REGISTRATION FEES.” This is the #1 sign of a scam.
Red Flag 2: Vague Interview Locations. An invitation for an interview at an “uncompleted building,” a hotel room, or a remote, obscure address with no proper company signage.
Red Flag 3: Unofficial Communication Channels. Being contacted for an interview via a generic Gmail (e.g., nnpc.recruitment@gmail.com), Yahoo mail, or SMS from a personal number. Official correspondence uses company email domains (@shell.com, @accessbankplc.com).
Red Flag 4: The “GNLD / Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Scam.” Be warned of ads for “Business Development Executives” or “Marketing Officers” with lavish promises. They often operate from places like Ikeja, Ogba (Lagos), or Owerri. The interview is actually a seminar where you’re pressured to buy starter packs or recruit others. Companies like GNLD, Netflix Marketing (fake), and various “wellness product” companies are infamous for this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is NYSC compulsory for private companies?
A: Yes, overwhelmingly so. Most structured private companies have NYSC completion as a non-negotiable condition for employment. It’s tied to your official documentation and proof of graduation.
Q: How can I get a Federal Government job without connections (“IM”)?
A: It is possible through the official online portals. The process is now more transparent due to computer-based tests (CBT). Your success depends on: 1) Meeting all listed requirements exactly. 2) Scoring exceptionally high in the CBT. 3) Performing well in the subsequent interviews. The key is to apply only through the fcsc.gov.ng or the specific Ministry/ Agency’s portal.
Q: What is the salary scale for entry-level bank jobs in 2026?
A: Salaries fluctuate with the economy. As of 2024/2025, monthly gross for a Graduate Trainee in a tier-1 bank ranges from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000. For a Federal Government GL 08 officer, basic salary starts around ₦70,000, but with allowances, it can total ₦120,000 – ₦150,000. For updated figures, always check MySalaryScale (mysalaryscale.com).
Conclusion
The job search is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, consistency, and a strategic approach. Use this guide as your foundation—bookmark the official portals, prepare your documents, and stay vigilant against scams.