Oil and gas jobs: What graduate trainees could earn in Nigeria in 2026

Oil and gas companies in Nigeria are estimated to pay graduate trainees between ₦250,000 and over ₦800,000 monthly, according to Profolio’s 2026 salary guide. The report, titled Graduate Trainee Salary in Nigeria (2026): Pay by Industry, Company & Role, lists estimated salaries for Shell Nigeria, Chevron Nigeria, TotalEnergies, Seplat Energy and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

The figures are estimates, not officially confirmed salary disclosures from the companies. Graduates should verify pay and benefits directly with employers before relying on them.

Shell, Chevron and TotalEnergies top estimates

Shell Nigeria has the highest listed range at ₦500,000 to ₦800,000 or more per month. Chevron Nigeria follows at ₦450,000 to ₦750,000 or more. TotalEnergies is listed at ₦400,000 to ₦700,000 monthly.

Seplat Energy is estimated at ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 monthly. NNPC Limited has the lowest listed range in the guide at ₦250,000 to ₦400,000 monthly. The estimates place Shell, Chevron and TotalEnergies in the higher salary ranges among the companies covered.

Actual earnings may vary depending on the job function, recruitment programme, employment terms and additional benefits. The figures should be treated as indicative benchmarks rather than guaranteed offers.

What applicants should check

Beyond salary, graduate trainee programmes can provide professional training, practical experience and opportunities for career development. Shell’s official Nigeria careers page for students and graduates provides information about opportunities for graduates interested in technical and other professional roles. Chevron also shares recruitment information through its official Nigeria careers page. However, these official pages do not confirm the specific salary estimates published by Profolio.

Applicants should check employers’ recruitment portals for current vacancies, eligibility requirements, application deadlines and programme details. They should also establish whether a quoted salary represents basic pay, gross salary or total compensation.

Allowances for housing and transport, healthcare benefits, pension contributions and performance-related payments may affect the overall value of an employment package. Candidates should confirm which benefits apply to a particular position rather than assume every graduate trainee receives the same package.

Profolio’s report provides a starting point for comparing potential earnings in the oil and gas sector. Graduates should verify salary information directly with employers before making career decisions, as actual offers may differ from the published estimates.