Oil and gas jobs in Nigeria remain the most sought-after and highest-paying career opportunities in the country — and in 2026, the industry is more active than it has been in years. With billions of dollars in fresh investments flowing into deepwater exploration, gas infrastructure, and indigenous operations, the demand for skilled professionals across every level is growing fast.
Whether you are a fresh graduate wondering how to break in, or an experienced professional looking to switch companies, this guide covers everything you need to know — the top companies hiring right now, verified salary figures for every level, entry requirements, and a clear step-by-step process for how to apply and stand out.
Read this from start to finish. It is one of the most practical oil and gas career guides you will find for the Nigerian market.
Why Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria Are Still Worth Pursuing in 2026
Some people wonder if the oil and gas sector is still a smart career choice given the global energy transition conversation. The honest answer for Nigeria is YES, absolutely.
Here is the reality on the ground:
ExxonMobil committed USD 1.5 billion toward Nigeria’s deepwater oil fields between 2025 and 2027, while NNPC unveiled an upstream investment drive targeting USD 30 billion in new investments by 2030. These are not the numbers of an industry winding down — they are the numbers of an industry ramping up.
In January 2026, Chevron announced plans to deploy a new rig following its acquisition of offshore licenses, while TotalEnergies increased its interest in OPL 257 and announced plans to begin appraisal drilling, signalling continued investment confidence in Nigeria’s offshore oil sector.
What this means for job seekers is simple: companies that are investing billions need people to execute those projects. Engineers, geoscientists, safety officers, finance professionals, logistics coordinators, and many more. The hiring is real and it is happening right now.
Top Companies Offering Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria in 2026
The hiring landscape in Nigeria spans four main employer categories: international oil companies (IOCs) such as Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies; indigenous operators including Seplat Energy, Oando, and Aiteo; oilfield services companies like Schlumberger (SLB), Halliburton, and Baker Hughes; and government entities such as NNPC Limited and the NUPRC.
Here is a breakdown of the most important employers:
1. Shell Nigeria (SPDC / SNEPCo)
Shell is one of the oldest and most recognisable names in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The company has been transitioning from onshore to deepwater-focused operations and is actively recruiting for its deepwater projects. Shell received final investment decision approval in December 2024 for the Bonga North deepwater project, targeting 110,000 barrels per day. Shell offers some of the highest salaries in the industry along with world-class training, cross-functional mentorship, and international exposure.
Where to apply: careers.shell.com
2. Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL)
Chevron is recognised as one of the largest deepwater operators in Nigeria, with a long-standing joint venture with NNPC in the Niger Delta and operatorship of major deepwater fields like Agbami. Chevron is known for generous remuneration and a strong emphasis on safety, professional development, and international training opportunities.
Where to apply: chevron.com/careers
3. TotalEnergies EP Nigeria
TotalEnergies is one of the largest IOC operators in Nigeria, with flagship deepwater assets including the Egina field producing over 200,000 barrels per day, and plans to develop the offshore Preowei Phase I project with startup anticipated in 2026. TotalEnergies recruits across engineering, geology, HSE, finance, and commercial disciplines.
Where to apply: totalenergies.com/careers
4. ExxonMobil Nigeria
ExxonMobil focuses on deepwater exploration and production in Nigeria following its earlier onshore divestment to Seplat Energy. The company regularly recruits petroleum engineers, geoscientists, and technical professionals through structured graduate programmes and experienced hire channels.
Where to apply: exxonmobil.com/en/careers
5. Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited
NNPC is the state-owned national oil company and one of the largest employers in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. It recruits across upstream, downstream, gas, commercial, and corporate functions. While NNPC salaries are lower than the IOCs, the job security, pension benefits, and the opportunity to contribute directly to national energy development make it a strong choice for many candidates.
Where to apply: nnpcgroup.com/careers
6. Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG)
NLNG is one of the most prestigious employers in the gas sector, operating on Bonny Island in Rivers State. The company recruits engineers, technicians, HSE professionals, finance staff, and commercial specialists. NLNG is known for excellent remuneration and a structured career development path.
Where to apply: nlng.com/careers
7. Indigenous Operators — Seplat Energy, Oando, Aiteo, Heirs Energies
Indigenous operators including Seplat Energy, Oando Energy Resources, Heirs Energies, Aiteo Eastern E&P, and First E&P have become major employers following IOC onshore divestments. These companies have absorbed significant assets from the IOCs and are aggressively building their workforce. For Nigerian graduates, indigenous operators often offer faster career progression and more leadership opportunities compared to multinational structures.
8. Oilfield Services Companies — SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford
Oilfield services companies operate across multiple operators and are one of the best entry points into the industry for fresh graduates. They hire broadly — not just engineers, but also technicians, logistics specialists, data analysts, IT professionals, and business development staff. SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, and Weatherford maintain significant Nigerian operations.
Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria — Salary Guide 2026
One of the most searched questions about oil and gas jobs in Nigeria is: “How much does it pay?” Here are verified salary figures for 2026 across different employer types and experience levels:
Entry-Level / Fresh Graduate Salaries
Shell’s Graduate Programme offers graduates earnings between ₦700,000 and ₦1.2 million per month, while Chevron Nigeria entry-level staff reportedly earn about ₦600,000 per month, including performance bonuses, international training, and relocation allowances.
NNPC entry-level salaries range from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 monthly — modest compared to private multinationals, but backed by strong job security, pension benefits, and healthcare.
MRS Oil Nigeria offers fresh graduates between ₦180,000 and ₦500,000, providing hands-on experience in petroleum product distribution and retail marketing.
Mid-Level and Senior Salaries (Petroleum Engineers)
The average petroleum engineer salary in Nigeria ranges from ₦450,000 to ₦900,000 per month across all experience levels. Entry-level engineers at indigenous companies start around ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 monthly, while mid-level engineers at IOCs earn ₦800,000 to ₦1,500,000. Senior petroleum engineers at Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil can earn ₦1,500,000 to ₦2,500,000 or more per month, excluding benefits.
Salary Summary Table
| Level | Employer Type | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Graduate | Shell / Chevron (IOC) | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Fresh Graduate | NNPC | ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Fresh Graduate | Indigenous Companies | ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 years) | IOCs | ₦800,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Senior (7+ years) | IOCs | ₦1,500,000 – ₦2,500,000+ |
| Entry-Level | Oilfield Services (SLB, Halliburton) | ₦300,000 – ₦600,000 |
Note: Figures vary based on role, specialisation, negotiation, and company performance cycles. Benefits packages — including housing allowances, car allowances, medical cover, and bonuses — can significantly increase total compensation beyond base salary.
Requirements for Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria
Requirements vary depending on the role and employer, but here are the core things most oil and gas companies in Nigeria look for:
Academic Qualifications
Top employers like Shell and Chevron strongly prefer a minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1) in relevant disciplines including Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, Electrical Engineering, or Geoscience from an accredited university.
Non-engineering roles in Finance, HR, Commercial, Legal, and Communications typically require a minimum of 2:1 in relevant Social Science, Management, or Law degrees.
Professional Certifications
COREN registration (Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria) is the statutory requirement for practising engineering in Nigeria. Engineers should register as Graduate Engineers (GEng) immediately after completing their degree.
Other certifications that boost your employability in oil and gas jobs in Nigeria include:
- BOSIET — Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (required for offshore roles)
- HUET — Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (for offshore positions)
- HSE Certifications — NEBOSH, IOSH, or similar safety qualifications are highly valued
- Project Management — PMP or Prince2 for project and commercial roles
- SPE Membership — Society of Petroleum Engineers membership signals commitment to the profession
NYSC Discharge Certificate
Most graduate programmes target candidates between 23 and 30 years of age. You must have completed your NYSC service and hold a valid discharge certificate before resumption. This is non-negotiable for all Nigerian graduate programmes at IOCs and indigenous operators.
Work Experience (for Non-Graduate Roles)
For experienced hire positions, oil and gas companies in Nigeria typically require:
- Minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant industry experience for mid-level roles
- Minimum of 7 to 10 years for senior and management positions
- Demonstrable track record of project delivery, technical competence, or business results in the specific discipline
Read Also: WAEC Recruitment 2026/2027 Application Portal
How to Apply for Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria — Step by Step
Here is the practical roadmap to getting an oil and gas job in Nigeria in 2026:
Step 1: Build a strong, targeted CV
Your CV is your first impression. Tailor it specifically to each role — do not send the same generic CV to Shell, Halliburton, and Seplat. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, internships, certifications, and any technical skills that match the job description. For engineering roles, be specific about the software and tools you have worked with.
Step 2: Use your NYSC posting strategically
Use your NYSC service year to gain proximity to the oil and gas industry. Seek postings or place of primary assignment (PPA) with oil companies, oilfield services firms, or petroleum engineering consulting firms in Port Harcourt, Warri, or Lagos. Even administrative exposure within these companies builds your CV and professional network. Many candidates receive their first full-time oil and gas job offers directly from their NYSC placement company.
Step 3: Apply through official company portals
Always apply directly through the official careers portal of each company. Avoid third-party recruitment agents who ask for money to process applications — no legitimate oil and gas company charges application fees. Bookmark the careers pages of the companies you are targeting and check them regularly for new vacancies.
Step 4: Target oilfield services companies as your entry point
If the IOCs are not hiring fresh graduates right now, oilfield services companies like SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, and Weatherford are an excellent alternative entry point. They recruit more frequently, offer broad technical exposure across multiple clients and projects, and many successful IOC professionals started their careers in services.
Step 5: Get your professional certifications early
Do not wait until you have a job offer before getting your COREN registration or HSE certifications. Having BOSIET, COREN Graduate Engineer status, or an NEBOSH certification on your CV before you apply immediately separates you from the majority of applicants who have none of these.
Step 6: Build your network actively
By actively participating in professional networks and pursuing continuous learning opportunities, entry-level engineers position themselves as proactive and dedicated professionals. Join the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria chapter, attend industry conferences like the Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Many oil and gas jobs in Nigeria are filled through referrals before they are ever publicly advertised.
Step 7: Prepare thoroughly for technical interviews
Oil and gas companies — especially IOCs — conduct rigorous multi-stage selection processes that include online aptitude tests, technical interviews, panel interviews, and sometimes case studies or group exercises. Past experience shows that Shell and Chevron interviews include both technical discipline questions and competency-based behavioural questions. Practice both.
Non-Engineering Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria
A common misconception is that oil and gas jobs in Nigeria are only for engineers and geoscientists. That is not true. The industry employs a wide range of professionals across many disciplines:
- Finance and Accounting — financial analysts, treasury managers, tax specialists
- Human Resources — HR business partners, talent acquisition, learning and development
- Legal — contracts lawyers, compliance officers, regulatory affairs
- IT and Data — systems engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists
- Logistics and Supply Chain — procurement officers, warehouse managers, materials coordinators
- HSE — safety officers, environmental specialists, emergency response coordinators
- Communications and Public Affairs — corporate communications, government relations, community development
- Commercial — business development, commercial analysts, trading
If your background is in any of these areas, there are oil and gas jobs in Nigeria that match your skillset. Tailor your application to highlight sector-relevant experience or transferable skills.
Where to Find Oil and Gas Job Listings in Nigeria
Here are the most reliable platforms to find legitimate vacancies for oil and gas job in Nigeria:
- Company career portals — Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, NNPC, NLNG (always the first choice)
- LinkedIn — set up job alerts for “oil and gas Nigeria” and follow the company pages of your target employers
- MyJobMag — myjobmag.com regularly lists verified oil and gas vacancies
- HotNigerianJobs — hotnigerianjobs.com aggregates active listings
- Glassdoor — glassdoor.com lists both vacancies and salary benchmarks
- SPE Nigeria Chapter — spe-nigeria.org posts industry-specific opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What degree do I need for oil and gas jobs in Nigeria?
Engineering degrees (Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil) are the most commonly required for technical roles. Non-technical roles in Finance, HR, Legal, IT, and Commercial accept degrees in relevant Social Science and Management disciplines. A minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1) is expected by most top employers.
Q: Can a fresh graduate get oil and gas jobs in Nigeria?
Yes — through structured graduate programmes run by IOCs like Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil, and through entry-level positions at oilfield services companies and indigenous operators. Competition is intense, so a strong CV, relevant certifications, and a strategic NYSC placement significantly improve your chances.
Q: Which oil and gas company pays the highest salary in Nigeria?
Shell and Chevron consistently offer the highest salaries for fresh graduates, with graduate programme earnings reported at ₦700,000 to ₦1.2 million per month for Shell and around ₦600,000 for Chevron. NLNG is also among the top payers in the industry.
Q: Do I need to be an engineer to work in oil and gas in Nigeria?
No. The industry employs professionals across Finance, HR, Legal, IT, Logistics, HSE, Communications, and Commercial functions. Non-engineering graduates can and do build successful careers in oil and gas jobs in Nigeria.
Q: Is NYSC compulsory for oil and gas jobs in Nigeria?
Yes. Every legitimate Nigerian oil and gas employer requires a valid NYSC discharge certificate before employment. Make sure yours is complete and in order before applying.
Q: Where are most oil and gas jobs in Nigeria located?
Most oil and gas jobs in Nigeria are based in Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Lagos, Warri (Delta State), and Abuja. Offshore and onshore field roles are primarily in the Niger Delta region.
Q: How do I avoid oil and gas job scams in Nigeria?
Only apply through official company career portals or verified job platforms. Never pay any fee to apply for or process a job application. Legitimate oil and gas companies do not charge candidates at any stage of the recruitment process.
Conclusion
Oil and gas jobs in Nigeria in 2026 are very much alive — and the investment activity happening right now across deepwater projects, gas infrastructure, and indigenous operations means more hiring is coming. The industry rewards preparation, relevant qualifications, and a strategic approach to the job search.
Start by identifying your target companies, updating your CV, getting your COREN or HSE certifications in order, and applying directly through official portals. Use your NYSC year wisely, build your professional network early, and do not limit yourself to engineering roles if your background is in another field.
We will continue to update this blog with the latest oil and gas job openings, salary updates, and career guides for Nigeria. Bookmark this page and check back regularly.
Share this with anyone looking for oil and gas jobs in Nigeria — it could be the guide that changes their career.
