Breaking into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is the dream of many graduates — and for good reason. It’s one of the highest-paying industries in the country, offering not just competitive salaries but also long-term career development, international exposure, and robust benefits. Whether it’s a multinational like Shell or Chevron, or a growing indigenous firm like Seplat or Oando, each company offers unique incentives for young professionals looking to launch their careers in energy.
But what exactly should a fresh graduate expect to earn at these companies? In this post, we explore the current entry-level salaries and what makes each company stand out — from benefits to work culture. Let’s dive in.
NNPC – ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 Monthly
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has long been one of the most sought-after public employers in the country. Entry-level salaries range from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 monthly. While this is modest compared to private multinationals, NNPC offers strong job security, pension benefits, healthcare, and the opportunity to serve in a role directly linked to national development.
Check out NNPC Careers page here.
Chevron – Around ₦600,000 Monthly
Chevron Nigeria is known for its generous remuneration and benefits, with entry-level staff reportedly earning about ₦600,000 per month. New hires also enjoy performance bonuses, international training, relocation allowances, and access to modern workplace tools and resources. The company has a strong emphasis on safety, environmental stewardship, and professional development. See Chevron Careers page for recent job postings.
Shell Nigeria – ₦700,000 to ₦1.2M Monthly
Graduates accepted into Shell’s Graduate Programme can earn between ₦700,000 and ₦1.2 million per month. Beyond salary, Shell offers access to world-class training, cross-functional mentorship, and the chance to work on globally impactful energy projects. The company is ideal for those who are ambitious and looking for long-term international career prospects. Check out Shell Careers page here.
ExxonMobil – ₦360,000 to ₦1M Monthly
At ExxonMobil, graduate trainees receive ₦360,000 to ₦1 million monthly. Interns are also paid, which is rare in the industry. The company stands out for its emphasis on research, innovation, and workplace diversity. ExxonMobil’s training programs are among the best in the sector, making it an excellent starting point for graduates with technical and scientific backgrounds. Check out ExxonMobil Careers page here.
TotalEnergies – Around ₦1.6M Monthly
TotalEnergies is currently one of the highest-paying firms for entry-level graduates in Nigeria. The total pay package, including bonuses and allowances, is about ₦1.6 million per month. The company is also leading the charge in clean energy and sustainability, so graduates who are passionate about the future of energy will find meaningful work here. Check out TotalEnergies Careers page here.
Ardova Plc – Around ₦2M Annually
Indigenous firm Ardova Plc offers graduate trainees a salary of around ₦2 million per annum (roughly ₦166,000 monthly). While lower than global firms, Ardova provides a chance to grow within a local company that’s expanding in downstream energy services, project management, and retail operations. Check Ardova Careers page for recent job listings.
Lekoil – Around ₦450,000 Monthly
At Lekoil, entry-level employees can expect about ₦450,000 monthly. The company is big on internal growth, mentoring, and building a strong work ethic. If you’re looking to grow with a performance-driven indigenous company and gain broad exposure early, Lekoil is a good choice. Check out Lekoil Careers page here.
Oando – ₦300,000 to ₦450,000 Monthly
Oando Plc is one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy companies with operations across upstream, midstream, and downstream. Graduate trainees at Oando earn between ₦300,000 and ₦450,000 monthly. The company is known for its vibrant corporate culture, innovation-driven approach, and early exposure to key projects. Oando invests in talent through training, mentorship, and internal promotion, making it a solid choice for ambitious young professionals. See the Oando Careers page here.
Seplat – Up to ₦3M Monthly
One of the most surprising and impressive salary packages comes from Seplat Energy, an indigenous oil and gas company. Graduate-level salaries reportedly reach as high as ₦3 million per month. Seplat is rapidly growing and competes toe-to-toe with international players in terms of remuneration, perks, and innovation. It’s a company that values high performance, offers equity-based rewards, and provides a supportive environment for professional development. Check out Seplat Careers page for job postings.
MRS Oil Nigeria Plc – ₦180,000 to ₦500,000 Monthly
MRS Oil Nigeria offers salaries ranging from ₦180,000 to ₦500,000 for fresh graduates. While not as high as the multinationals, MRS provides the opportunity to work in a well-structured corporate environment and gain hands-on experience in petroleum product distribution, retail marketing, and operations. The company has been undergoing a transformation, creating opportunities for young talents to contribute to its modernization efforts. See MRS Careers page here.
Landing a job in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is competitive, but the rewards — both financial and professional — are worth it. Whether you’re aiming for the structured paths of multinationals like Shell and Chevron or looking to grow with indigenous giants like Seplat or Oando, there are diverse opportunities for talented graduates.
