Want to work at NNPC? Learn what it takes to get hired, the latest NNPC salary structure for graduate trainees, and tips to stand out in 2025.
Getting a job at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is a dream for many Nigerians and for good reason. Known for its competitive salaries, structured career growth, and prestigious reputation, NNPC seeks only the best candidates during recruitment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it takes to get in, the 2025 salary structure for graduate trainees, and how professional certifications can give you a winning edge.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) salary structure, just like other top oil companies In Nigeria are among the highest figures in the country. because of this, it is not surprising why people want to work in the petroleum industry. This article comprise of how much salary the NNPC pay their workers, starting from entry level, interns and even their senior managers. You will also get to know the oil company that pays the highest salary.
How much do they pay oil company workers in Nigeria:
Oil Company Salaries in Nigeria (2025 Overview)
Salaries in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector vary widely by company, role, and experience level. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Entry-Level Positions (Monthly)
NNPC: ₦500,000 – ₦700,000
Chevron: ~₦855,000
Shell: ~₦748,000
ExxonMobil: ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,800,000
Total/Seplat/NLNG: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000
Mid-Level to Senior Roles (Monthly)
Business Dev. Manager (Shell): ~₦2,200,000
Production Engineer: ₦1,000,000 – ₦1,500,000
Chevron/Exxon Engineers: ~₦1,800,000
Specialized Technical Roles (Annual)
Drilling Engineer: ₦25.5 million
Reservoir Engineer: ₦17 million
Geologist: ₦7 million
Interns & Support Roles (Monthly)
NNPC Interns: ₦20,000 – ₦40,000
Shell Interns: ~₦95,000
Support Staff: ₦80,000 – ₦120,000
Benefits
Most oil companies offer housing, health insurance, pension, bonuses, and training opportunities.
NNPC is an oil corporation through which the federal government regulates and participates in the country’s petroleum industry. This state-owned oil and gas agency was founded in the year 1977 and its headquarters is located at FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. The current Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC is Mele Kyari.
NNPC is not solely on oil exploration activities but it is also involved in the refining, transportation, and marketing of petrochemicals and products from the refineries to domestic markets. Therefore, this requires a high number of staffs working under this organisation. Also, the NNPC gives room for employment of new staff every year, to which they pay monthly salaries.
One great thing about working at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation is that this organization is one of the best and gainful places to work for jobseekers. It is said that oil companies salary structure in Nigeria is on the high side, and so, NNPC is not exempted. However, the salaries paid are determined by profession, job specifications, and location.
NNPC Salary Structure (2025)
It is important to note that aside from the salaries paid at staff working in NNPC, workers also receive a certain percentage of attractive benefits and bonuses. However, NNPC workers hardly disclose what they are being paid, but, what we know is that apart of board directors and managing directors, petroleum engineers and geoscientists are paid the highest in NNPC.
This article will give you an idea into how much staff are paid in NNPC as salary.
How much are Interns paid as salary in NNPC
Interns in NNPC are the lowest earners as they receive a minimum salary of N18,000 to N30,000 per month. Internship in the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation NNPC lasts between 3 months and 2 years. This gives an avenue for learning and training in particular department and fields.
Entry level salary in NNPC
Entry level NNPC staff earn between the range of N150,000 and N350,000 as monthly salary in Nigeria. After passing through internship, this is the next level allocated to new employees or fresh graduates. This entry level position is usually for workers with little experience. They consist of graduate trainees too. The salary paid to these staff depends on job specification and profession. For instance, engineers and geoscientists are paid more than other professionals at NNPC.
Senior Level (Managers) Salary in NNPC
Depending on the level, senior staffs in NNPC are paid salaries between N500,000 and N5,000,000 per month. This position is for experienced workers, directors and managers in the organisation. Senior level staff in NNPC enjoy a large bulk of salary paid to them every month.
While they begin the chain of top earners at the organization, they take up significant roles in due to their expertise. However, the amount of salary they receive is determined by their position, level of experience, job specification and profession.
NNPC Graduate Trainee salary
As of 2025, Graduate Trainees at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) can expect to earn between ₦180,000 and ₦350,000 per month, depending on factors such as department, location, and specific job role. This monthly salary translates to an annual income ranging from approximately ₦2.1 million to ₦4.2 million. The compensation package typically includes base pay along with additional allowances and benefits, such as housing, health insurance, pension contributions, and performance bonuses.
It’s important to note that salaries can vary based on the specific subsidiary within NNPC and the individual’s qualifications and experience. For instance, technical roles like engineering may attract higher starting salaries compared to administrative positions.
Oil & Gas Companies in Nigeria & Their Salary Structures
Shell Nigeria entry level salary
Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) by far is the largest investing and exploring company in the oil industry in the country. This company account for 50% of the Nigerian oil production. Entry level salary in Shell Nigeria is between N3,360,000 – N7,800,000.
Chevron Nigeria entry level salary
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) is a joint venture company between the NNPC and chevron with a sharing formula of NNPC (60%) and Chevron (40%). This company is the second largest oil explorer in the Niger Delta region and by extension, the nation as a whole. The entry salary in Chevron is N6,000,000 – N9,000,000 per year.
Total E&P Nigeria entry level salary
This company is just like the two above also a joint venture between the NNPC and a foreign oil company with NNPC having 60% share. This company is regarded by many as the highest paying oil company in Nigeria. they pay between N7,000,000 – N12,000,000.
Exxon-Mobil Nigeria entry level salary
Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) is a joint venture between NNPC and Exxon-Mobil with the same sharing formula as the ones above. They operate mostly in Akwa Ibom State, the largest oil producing state in Nigeria and is one of the largest oil producing companies in Nigeria. They pay about N6,000,000 – N10,000,000 annually at entry level.
Oando Nigeria Group entry level salary
Oando Nigeria Group is the truly indigenous company on the list and known as Nigeria’s largest independent conglomerate in the energy industry with expertise in oil and gas exploration, production and distribution. It is the first Nigerian company to achieve a dual listing on both the Nigerian and Johannesburg stock exchanges. They pay N1,800,000 – N4,800,000 annually.
Conclusion
Landing a job at NNPC is tough they go for the best of the best. But becoming part of the team is a major achievement. To boost your chances, stay informed, build strong connections, and consider earning professional certifications or advanced degrees they not only improve your odds but can also mean better pay.
