Applying for a federal government job in Nigeria requires more than just academic qualifications. A well-structured and compelling Curriculum Vitae (CV) can make all the difference between getting shortlisted or being overlooked.
A good CV (Curriculum Vitae) for government jobs must not only be professional but also tailored to meet the expectations of public service recruiters. Your CV is often your first impression—it should reflect credibility, experience, and relevance to the specific role you’re applying for.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a good CV for federal government jobs in Nigeria, the ideal structure, keywords to include, common mistakes to avoid, and a sample CV format tailored to Nigerian job seekers.
Why a Good CV Matters for Federal Jobs
Federal job recruitment in Nigeria is often highly competitive, with thousands of applicants for a few positions. Agencies like:
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Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC)
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Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)
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Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
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National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
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and others
… rely heavily on CVs to screen candidates during shortlisting.
A well-written CV shows that you are competent, organized, and aligned with public service goals.
Basic Requirements for a Federal Government CV
Before you begin, make sure your CV meets these essential requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 pages (max 3 if you have experience) |
| Font | Arial or Calibri, 11–12 pt |
| Format | PDF preferred, or .doc/.docx |
| File Name | YourName_CV_2025 |
Also, keep your layout clean and avoid flashy designs — federal jobs value clarity and professionalism.
Understanding Federal Government Job Requirements
Federal government jobs in Nigeria are advertised across several ministries, departments, and agencies such as:
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Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
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Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
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Federal Civil Service Commission
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National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
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Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)
Each job has specific qualifications and requirements. However, common expectations include:
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A clean and legible CV
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Relevant academic qualifications
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Demonstrated knowledge of governance and public service
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Certifications like NYSC and relevant short courses
CV Structure for Federal Jobs in Nigeria
1. Personal Information
Include:
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Full Name
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Address
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Phone Number
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Email (professional)
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Date of Birth
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State of Origin / LGA
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Nationality
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NYSC Status
Don’t include religion or marital status unless specifically requested.
2. Professional Summary (Optional but Powerful)
Write a brief 3–4 line statement summarizing:
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Who you are professionally
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Years of experience
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Skills/qualifications
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Your federal service career goal
Example:
A highly motivated Public Administration graduate with 3+ years of experience in data entry and document control. Skilled in office management, Microsoft Office, and public communication. Seeking a federal administrative role to contribute to national development.
3. Educational Background
List in reverse order:
| Institution | Qualification | Year |
|---|---|---|
| University of Abuja | B.Sc. Economics | 2018 |
| Government Secondary School | WASSCE | 2012 |
4. Work Experience
Include job roles that show relevant responsibilities — including NYSC:
Example:
Data Entry Intern – NIMC, Abuja (2020–2021)
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Collected and verified citizen records using NIMC database
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Handled over 5,000 biometric entries with 99% accuracy
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Liaised with applicants to resolve data conflicts
5. Skills
Use keywords that federal recruiters look for:
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Record management
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Microsoft Office Suite
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Customer relations
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Report writing
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Filing and documentation
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Internet research
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Time management
6. Certifications & Training
If available:
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Digital Skills Training (Google/ALX)
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NIMC/NIS short courses
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NYSC SAED program certificate
7. Referees
List 2 referees with:
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Full name
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Position
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Organization
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Contact info (email/phone)
Always ask for permission before listing anyone.
How to Tailor Your CV to Specific Federal Roles
Customizing your CV increases your chances. For example:
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For Immigration Service: emphasize knowledge of border security or languages.
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For NDLEA: highlight attention to detail, ethics, and drug control awareness.
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For Administrative Ministries: focus on clerical experience, typing speed, and organization skills.
Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out
- Customize for each job — don’t use the same CV for all positions
- Use action verbs — “managed”, “coordinated”, “achieved”
- Include achievements, not just duties
- Quantify when possible — e.g., “handled 2,000+ records”
- Avoid typos and grammar errors — proofread or use Grammarly
Additional Documents Often Required Alongside CVs
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Cover Letter
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NYSC Certificate
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Degree/SSCE Certificate
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Government-Issued ID (NIN, Voter’s Card)
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Passport Photograph
Ensure all documents are clear and certified if necessary.
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Using “CV” as file name | Shows unprofessionalism |
| Long paragraphs | Hard to scan quickly |
| Wrong phone/email | You’ll miss opportunities |
| Too many pages | Recruiters may skip it entirely |
| Fancy fonts or colors | Looks unserious for public roles |
CV Sample Template for Nigerian Federal Jobs (2025 Edition)
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [Address]
OBJECTIVE
A dedicated graduate of Political Science seeking a position at the Ministry of Interior to support national security initiatives and public administration efforts.
EDUCATION
B.Sc. Political Science – University of Lagos – 2018
WAEC – FGGC Yola – 2012
WORK EXPERIENCE
Admin Intern – FCSC, Abuja – 2021
– Supported policy research and document filing
– Participated in ministry workshops and town hall meetings
SKILLS
– Public Speaking
– MS Office Proficiency
– Report Writing
CERTIFICATIONS
NYSC – 2019
Digital Literacy Certification – 2022
REFEREES
Available upon request
Also Read
Key Differences Between Federal and Private Sector CVs
There are some crucial differences between CVs for federal and private sector jobs:
| Feature | Federal CV | Private Sector CV |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Emphasis on public service | Focus on business value |
| Format | More structured, formal | Creative layouts allowed |
| Length | 2–3 pages acceptable | Preferably 1–2 pages |
| Language | Conservative and formal | Can be dynamic or technical |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use one CV for all government jobs?
It’s better to tweak your CV based on the job’s requirements.
Q2: Is work experience compulsory?
Not always — NYSC experience can be enough for entry-level roles.
Q3: Can I submit my CV in Word format?
Yes, but PDF is more professional and prevents formatting issues.
Q4: Can I include online certificates?
Yes, especially if they’re relevant to the job role.
Final Words
Writing a great CV for federal jobs in Nigeria can dramatically improve your chances of being shortlisted in 2025. Keep it clean, concise, and targeted to the specific agency you’re applying to.
Whether it’s NIMC, NIS, FCSC, or a civil service ministry, your CV should reflect your potential for public service and demonstrate integrity, competence, and readiness.
Ready to apply? Use this guide to update your CV now — and don’t forget to check our Latest Jobs page.
