Jobberman Rankings: Top 6 Oil and Gas Companies to Work For in Nigeria

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed significant transformations in its economic narrative. After the rebasing of its economy, Nigeria became the largest economy in Africa, overtaking powerhouses like South Africa and Egypt. Despite this monumental achievement, the country continues to battle with systemic economic, infrastructural, and governance challenges. Nevertheless, one of the industries that has consistently propelled Nigeria’s global economic relevance is the oil and gas sector.

This blog post, inspired by a survey conducted by Jobberman — one of Nigeria’s leading career platforms — takes a deep dive into the top oil and gas companies to work for in Nigeria. These companies stand out not just because of their profitability or size but due to the structured work environment, attractive salary packages, and extensive employee welfare programs they offer.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced professional looking for a transition, or just a curious observer of Nigeria’s employment ecosystem, this detailed exposé will give you valuable insights into the most sought-after oil and gas firms in Nigeria.

1. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)

📍 Headquarters: Freeman House, Marina, Lagos

Shell’s history in Nigeria is intertwined with the history of Nigeria’s petroleum industry itself. SPDC was instrumental in the discovery of Nigeria’s first commercial oil well in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, in 1956. By 1958, Nigeria had joined the league of oil-exporting nations. This makes Shell the pioneer of Nigeria’s oil industry — an industry that today accounts for about 90% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

👨‍💼 Why Work Here?

Shell is reputed for its strong organizational culture that prioritizes innovation, safety, and employee development. The company offers career progression, competitive international training, and opportunities for inter-country postings.

💰 Entry-Level Salary

Depending on your department and qualifications, entry-level staff earn between ₦1 million and ₦2.5 million per annum. Engineers and technical professionals tend to command higher salaries compared to administrative or support staff.

🏆 Benefits

• Global exposure through Shell’s international footprint
• Comprehensive health insurance
• International travel opportunities
• Housing and transport allowances
• Retirement plans and pension contributions

2. Chevron Nigeria Limited

📍 Headquarters: 2 Chevron Drive, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos

Chevron, one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, operates in Nigeria through Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL). With deep American corporate roots, Chevron has imported some of the best global work ethics and corporate social responsibility practices into Nigeria.

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👨‍💼 Why Work Here?

Chevron is known for fostering equality and diversity. It runs mentorship programs, encourages women in engineering, and promotes community development in its host communities. The company is also renowned for its robust safety culture.

💰 Entry-Level Salary

Fresh graduates can expect to earn around ₦2 million to ₦2.5 million per annum, a solid figure that rises significantly with technical skills and international certifications.

🏆 Benefits

• Paid training and career development
• Flexible working hours and remote work policy
• Medical insurance for staff and dependents
• Subsidized housing or housing allowance
• Transport allowances and vehicle grants

3. ExxonMobil Nigeria (Mobil Producing Nigeria)

📍 Headquarters: Qua Iboe Terminal, Ibeno LGA, Akwa Ibom | Lagos Office: Lekki Expressway, Victoria Island

As the Nigerian subsidiary of ExxonMobil, Mobil Producing Nigeria operates one of the largest joint venture operations in the country in partnership with NNPC. ExxonMobil is globally recognized as a leader in technological innovation and environmental sustainability in energy.

👨‍💼 Why Work Here?

ExxonMobil is the gold standard in petroleum engineering and geosciences training. Employees at ExxonMobil Nigeria gain access to cutting-edge technologies, international career progression, and a highly meritocratic work environment.

💰 Entry-Level Salary

Salaries at entry level range between ₦3.6 million and ₦9.6 million per annum, depending on the role, technical qualifications, and department. This makes ExxonMobil one of the highest-paying companies in the sector.

🏆 Benefits

• International assignments and relocations
• Medical and dental insurance
• Subsidized housing or on-site residential estates
• Performance bonuses and profit sharing
• Family health insurance for dependents

4. Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

📍 Headquarters: NNPC Towers, Herbert Macaulay Way, Garki, Abuja

As Nigeria’s state-owned oil corporation, the NNPC manages the federal government’s interests in the petroleum sector. It is a holding company that oversees operations in upstream, downstream, and gas development through various subsidiaries like NAPIMS, PPMC, and NGC.

👨‍💼 Why Work Here?

Working with NNPC offers the unique advantage of job security and a chance to contribute directly to national economic development. It’s also an ideal place for professionals seeking careers in regulatory affairs, public policy, and corporate governance within the energy space.

💰 Entry-Level Salary

NNPC offers ₦1.56 million per annum at entry level. While this is less competitive than multinationals, it is often complemented with job security and comprehensive government benefits.

🏆 Benefits

• Pension plans and retirement benefits
• Work-life balance
• Paid government holidays
• Housing and transport subsidies
• Nationwide job postings and travel allowances

5. Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG)

📍 Headquarters: Intels Camp, KM 16 Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

NLNG was founded in 1989 and began production in 1999. It is one of the most successful Public-Private Partnerships in Nigeria, with shareholders including NNPC, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Eni. NLNG processes and exports Liquefied Natural Gas and related products.

👨‍💼 Why Work Here?

NLNG has a reputation for being one of Nigeria’s best-managed companies. It places high emphasis on ethics, transparency, and employee well-being. The organization invests heavily in staff development through local and overseas training.

💰 Entry-Level Salary

Entry-level staff earn between ₦4.4 million and ₦5.22 million per annum, depending on their role and department — particularly competitive in Nigeria’s energy sector.

🏆 Benefits

• World-class training and international certification
• Comprehensive healthcare for staff and dependents
• Access to company accommodation and recreational facilities
• Educational assistance for children
• End-of-year performance bonuses

6. Oando PLC

📍 Headquarters: 2 Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

Oando is a leading indigenous African energy company with operations spanning the entire energy value chain — from upstream exploration to downstream distribution. Its pan-African orientation gives it a dynamic and youthful corporate culture.

👨‍💼 Why Work Here?

Oando is ideal for young, ambitious professionals who desire to work in an entrepreneurial and fast-paced environment. The company promotes creativity, risk-taking, and leadership development, especially among Nigerians who want to make an impact in the local oil scene.

💰 Entry-Level Salary

Entry-level staff are paid between ₦3 million and ₦3.5 million per annum. However, those joining with a few years of experience may negotiate a significantly higher package.

🏆 Benefits

• Fast career progression for high performers
• Access to executive mentorship
• Wellness and gym allowances
• Stock options and profit-sharing schemes
• Corporate social responsibility involvement

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Oil and Gas Employer in Nigeria

While salary is a key consideration for most job seekers, a great workplace should also offer career growth opportunities, a conducive work environment, and strong ethical standards. The six companies outlined above don’t just pay well; they invest in their people and make meaningful contributions to society.

If you’re seeking a rewarding career in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, use this guide to align your aspirations with the corporate culture, remuneration, and growth opportunities that best suit your long-term goals.

Tips for Breaking into These Firms

• Educational Excellence: A solid degree in engineering, geosciences, economics, or related fields is often required.
• Certifications: International certifications like PMP, NEBOSH, IWCF, or HSE Levels are a huge advantage.
• Internships: Many of these firms recruit from their internship or graduate trainee pool.
• Networking: Attend industry events, seminars, and webinars to meet professionals already working in these companies.
• Tailored CVs: Customize your CV for each role, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.

Whether you’re dreaming of working in a multinational like ExxonMobil or contributing to national development through NNPC, the Nigerian oil and gas sector still holds immense promise. With the right qualifications, mindset, and strategic application, your dream job could be just around the corner.

Nigeria recently did the re-basing of her economy and we became the strongest economy in Africa against the likes of South Africa and Egypt who hitherto had enjoyed good runs at beating Nigeria to the background as far as economic standings are concerned.

Though Nigeria still has her economic challenges, and which is further influenced by the political atmosphere, yet there are still some good things we can talk about. One of such good things is the presence of high profiled companies which are doing fantastically well; making their workers proud of working with them in terms of their staff welfare, especially their salary package.

These firms cut across the different strata of the Nigerian economy, but for the purpose of this piece, we will consider 6 of the top Oil and Gas firms to work for in Nigeria. This is based on a survey conducted by Jobberman, an online job community site.

Here are the six, although in no particular order.

1. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Oil & Gas Multinational

This company can be said to be the mother of Oil and Gas business in Nigeria because in 1956, Shell Nigeria discovered the first commercial oil field at Oloibiri in the Niger Delta and started oil exports in 1958. With her office in Lagos at Freeman House, C/ O SNEPCO, No. 21/ 22, Marina Street, Lagos 100221. The company’s salary scale for entry level staff is between 1 million to 2.5 million at entry level depending on the department and role you are to perform.

2. Chevron Oil & Gas Multinational

This is one Oil company that has made a statement synonymous with quality and equality, maybe this is influenced by the fact that it is an American company and that human rights mentality still plays out in the way they treat their staff even here in Nigeria.

The company whose corporate office is located right in the heart of Lekki, in Lagos at 2 Chevron Drive, Lekki Penninsula, Lekki, Lagos pays around N2 – N2.5million in salary for her entry level staff per annum. This compared to what obtains in other economies is low, but quite encouraging for a growing economy like ours.

3. Mobil Oil & Gas Multinational (Also known as ExxonMobil)

Also with an American root Mobil has a strong base in the country and is the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and Gas Company, the world’s largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products and also a technology company, applying science and innovation to find better, safer and cleaner ways to deliver the energy the world needs. Headquarters at Qua Iboe Terminal, Ibeno LGA, P.M.B. 1001 Eket, Akwa-Ibom and Contact Address: 1, Lekki Expressway, Victoria Island, Lagos. ExxonMobil pays around N3.6million – N9.6million in annual salary at an entry level and that depends on your duty and which of the departments of the company you work with.

4. NNPC Oil & Gas

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is the state oil corporation which was established on April 1, 1977 (You might say this is the company that manages the “national cake” on behalf of all Nigerians). In addition to its exploration activities, the Corporation was given powers and operational interests in refining, petrochemicals and products transportation as well as marketing. Her Corporate Headquarters is located at NNPC Towers, Central Business District, Herbert Macaulay Way, P.M.B. 190, Garki, Abuja. This custodian of Nigeria’s national wealth pays about N1.56million for entry level staff per annum.

5. NLNG Oil & Gas

NLNG was incorporated as a limited liability company on May 17, 1989, to harness Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources and produce Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) for export. The company has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Bonny Gas Transport (BGT) Limited, which provides shipping services for NLNG and Nigeria LNG Ship Manning Limited which provides personnel for all of NLNG’s Vessels. Her HEAD OFFICE is located at

Nigeria LNG Limited, Intels Camp, KM 16 Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The company pays between N4.4 million to N5.22million in annual salary for entry level staff.

6. Oando Oil & Gas