Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria 2025/2026

Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria 2025/2026

Introduction

The oil and gas industry remains one of Nigeria’s most vital and lucrative sectors, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy and providing thousands of employment opportunities across technical, engineering, administrative, and managerial fields.

In 2025/2026, as global demand for energy continues to evolve and Nigeria expands its exploration, refining, and export operations, new job openings are expected across major oil-producing states and companies. Whether you’re a graduate seeking a professional career or a technician looking for skilled employment, the Nigerian oil and gas sector offers diverse opportunities with attractive salaries and career growth.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about oil and gas jobs in Nigeria for 2025/2026, including the recruitment process, requirements, companies currently hiring, salary structure, and how to successfully apply for your desired role.

Overview of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry

Nigeria is Africa’s leading oil producer and one of the top exporters of crude oil globally. The sector is managed primarily by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in partnership with international and indigenous firms operating under joint ventures and production-sharing contracts.

Major players include Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Chevron Nigeria Limited, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Agip, Seplat Energy, and Addax Petroleum, among others. These companies operate in both upstream (exploration and production) and downstream (refining and distribution) sectors, creating thousands of jobs for Nigerian professionals.

The oil and gas industry also drives employment in related fields such as logistics, construction, environmental management, engineering services, and project consultancy.

Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria 2025/2026

Types of Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria

Oil and gas careers in Nigeria are broadly divided into three main categories: Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream.

1. Upstream Sector

This involves exploration, drilling, and extraction of crude oil and natural gas. Common roles include:

1. Petroleum Engineer

2. Drilling Engineer

3. Geologist/Geophysicist

4. Production Supervisor

5. Rig Operator

6. Reservoir Engineer

2. Midstream Sector

Focuses on the transportation and storage of crude oil and gas products. Jobs in this category include:

1. Pipeline Engineer

2. Terminal Operator

3. Transport Coordinator

4. Quality Control Officer

3. Downstream Sector

Covers refining, processing, and marketing of petroleum products. Common roles include:

1. Chemical Engineer

2. Refinery Technician

3. Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Officer

4. Sales Executive

5. Procurement Manager

Top Oil and Gas Companies Hiring in 2025/2026

1. Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)

2. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)

3. Chevron Nigeria Limited

4. ExxonMobil Nigeria

5. TotalEnergies Nigeria

6. Seplat Energy

7. Agip (NAOC)

8. Addax Petroleum

9. NLNG (Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas)

10. Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant

These organizations are known for offering structured recruitment programs, internships, and graduate trainee opportunities for young Nigerians with strong technical and analytical backgrounds.

Qualifications and Requirements for Oil and Gas Jobs

To secure employment in this sector, candidates must meet specific educational and professional qualifications based on the role they’re applying for.

Academic Requirements

1. A Bachelor’s degree or HND in Engineering, Geology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or related fields.

2. For administrative or finance roles, degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, or Human Resources are accepted.

3. Technical roles may require Trade Test Certificates, OND, or professional certifications.

Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria 2025/2026

Professional Certifications

1. NEBOSH / IOSH (for HSE officers)

2. COREN registration (for engineers)

3. PMP / PRINCE2 (for project managers)

4. IWCF or IADC certifications (for drilling operations)

5. NACE or API certifications (for corrosion and quality control experts)

Soft Skills

1. Teamwork and leadership

2. Communication and safety consciousness

3. Problem-solving and technical adaptability

4. Computer literacy and data interpretation

How to Apply for Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria 2025/2026

The application process varies depending on the company but generally follows these steps:

1. Visit the official career portal of the oil or gas company.

2. Create a candidate profile and upload your CV and relevant credentials.

3. Select a suitable job vacancy that matches your qualifications.

4. Submit your application online before the stated deadline.

5. Prepare for aptitude tests and interviews, which may include technical and safety assessments.

6. Follow up professionally and stay updated on recruitment notifications.

Graduate Trainee Programs in the Oil and Gas Sector

Many companies offer Graduate Trainee Programs designed for young Nigerian graduates. These programs train individuals across multiple disciplines to understand the operational, technical, and managerial aspects of the energy industry.

Popular graduate programs include:

1. NNPC Graduate Trainee Programme

2. Shell Graduate Programme

3. Chevron Early Career Development Program

4. TotalEnergies Young Graduate Programme

5. Seplat Graduate Trainee Scheme

Such programs typically last between 12 to 24 months and combine classroom training with hands-on field experience.

Salary Structure in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry remains one of the highest-paying sectors in Nigeria. Salaries vary based on experience, company, and position.

Note: Salaries are approximate averages and vary between multinational and indigenous companies.

Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria 2025/2026

Career Growth and Opportunities

The oil and gas industry offers structured career progression with opportunities to work both locally and internationally. Employees can grow from entry-level positions to senior management through continuous professional development and global exposure.

Top career advancement paths include:

1. Technical to Managerial Roles (Engineer → Project Lead → Manager)

2. HSE Specialization (Officer → Coordinator → Director)

3. Project Management and Consultancy

4. Energy Transition and Sustainability Fields

Challenges in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector

Despite its profitability, the industry faces several challenges that affect employment and operations:

1. Fluctuating global oil prices

2. Insecurity in oil-producing regions

3. Corruption and regulatory inconsistencies

4. Energy transition toward renewable sources

5. Limited employment for non-technical graduates

Nevertheless, Nigeria continues to expand its refining capacity through projects like the Dangote Refinery, which is creating thousands of new jobs and reducing the country’s reliance on fuel imports.

Top 10 Skills in High Demand in the Oil and Gas Industry

1. Petroleum Engineering

2. Project Management

3. Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)

4. Data Analytics for Energy

5. Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance

6. Drilling and Well Operations

7. Chemical and Process Engineering

8. Environmental Impact Assessment

9. Renewable Energy Integration

10. Industrial Automation and Robotics

Five Real-Life Testimonies from Nigerian Oil and Gas Workers

1. David O. – Process Engineer (TotalEnergies):
“My career started as a graduate trainee in 2017. With dedication and hard work, I now lead a process optimization team. The oil and gas industry rewards excellence and discipline.”

2. Grace I. – HSE Supervisor (Chevron):
“I joined through a graduate internship and grew into a full-time safety officer. The company provided constant training and exposure to global standards.”

3. Yusuf A. – Drilling Technician (NNPCL):
“Working in the field has taught me teamwork and precision. The pay is good, but safety remains the most important aspect.”

4. Kelechi M. – Geologist (Shell):
“The oil and gas industry challenged me intellectually and helped me grow as a scientist. Every exploration project feels like a discovery mission.”

5. Amina R. – Human Resources Manager (Seplat):
“There’s great satisfaction in building a motivated workforce for one of Nigeria’s most critical industries. I encourage young Nigerians to apply early and learn continuously.”

Future of Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria

While global attention is shifting toward renewable energy, oil and gas will remain a key part of Nigeria’s economy for decades. Emerging opportunities are arising in natural gas production, petrochemical refining, and energy technology.

With continuous investment and local content development policies, the government aims to increase Nigerian participation in the energy sector, ensuring sustainable employment and national growth.

Oil and Gas Jobs in Nigeria 2025/2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are oil and gas jobs only for engineers?
No. The industry employs professionals in finance, administration, logistics, safety, law, and ICT.

2. How can I join an oil and gas company without experience?
Apply for graduate trainee programs or internships to build experience and develop technical knowledge.

3. What are the highest-paying roles in the sector?
Engineering, project management, and executive positions offer the highest salaries.

4. Do oil and gas companies employ women?
Yes. Gender diversity is growing rapidly, with women now holding technical and leadership roles.

5. What is the future of oil and gas employment in Nigeria?
The future is promising as new refineries and gas projects expand opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.

Conclusion

The oil and gas industry in Nigeria continues to be a pillar of the nation’s economy and a beacon of employment for professionals across various disciplines. From engineers and geologists to administrators and safety experts, the opportunities are vast for those who possess the right skills and determination.

In 2025/2026, Nigerians seeking stable, well-paying, and globally relevant jobs should look toward the energy sector, which offers continuous learning, international exposure, and significant financial rewards.

Aspiring candidates are encouraged to stay informed about company recruitment exercises, pursue professional certifications, and build technical competence. With preparation and persistence, a rewarding career in the Nigerian oil and gas industry awaits.