Gas
New data details graduate salaries in Nigeria's oil sector
A recent salary guide estimates that graduate trainees in Nigeria's petroleum industry earn between ₦250,000 and ₦800,000 monthly.
Key points
- Profolio published estimated salary ranges for graduate trainees in the oil and gas sector.
- Shell Nigeria, Chevron Nigeria and TotalEnergies feature among the higher estimated pay brackets.
- The figures are indicative benchmarks and have not been officially confirmed by the employers.
What happened
A recent publication by Profolio details estimated monthly compensation for graduate trainees across several prominent energy firms operating in Nigeria, according to reporting by Legit.ng.
The salary guide indicates that entry-level trainees at major operators can receive between ₦250,000 and upwards of ₦800,000 each month. Shell Nigeria leads the estimates with projected ranges between ₦500,000 and ₦800,000 monthly. Chevron Nigeria follows closely with estimates spanning from ₦450,000 to ₦750,000, while TotalEnergies is listed between ₦400,000 and ₦700,000. Seplat Energy and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited appear lower down in the estimated ranges.
Why it matters
Fuel exports account for 85.9 percent of merchandise exports in Nigeria, according to 2025 World Bank data, cementing the petroleum industry as a cornerstone of the national economy. For policymakers, industry analysts and young professionals, understanding labour market compensation trends provides insight into how the energy sector attracts and retains talent amidst broader macroeconomic shifts.
What comes next
Analysts note that the published figures serve strictly as baseline estimates rather than verified employment offers. Actual compensation packages vary based on specific job roles, internal policies, and additional benefits such as housing, transport allowances and healthcare coverage. Prospective applicants are advised to consult official corporate recruitment portals to verify current vacancies and compensation structures before making career decisions.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
72.9% of electricity in Nigeria came from gas in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
