Oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria are estimated to pay graduate trainees between ₦250,000 and more than ₦800,000 monthly, according to Profolio’s 2026 salary guide. The report, titled “Graduate Trainee Salary in Nigeria (2026): Pay by Industry, Company & Role,” provides estimated pay ranges for five major employers: Shell Nigeria, Chevron Nigeria, TotalEnergies, Seplat Energy, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
Salary Ranges by Company
Profolio’s guide places Shell Nigeria at the top of the estimated salary scale, with graduate trainees earning between ₦500,000 and ₦800,000 or more per month. Chevron Nigeria follows closely, with an estimated monthly range of ₦450,000 to ₦750,000 or more. TotalEnergies is listed at ₦400,000 to ₦700,000 monthly, while Seplat Energy ranges from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000. NNPC Limited has the lowest estimated range among the five, at ₦250,000 to ₦400,000 per month.
These figures suggest that Shell, Chevron, and TotalEnergies offer comparatively higher starting pay for graduate trainees than Seplat Energy and NNPC. However, the guide notes that actual earnings may vary depending on the job function, recruitment programme, employment terms, and additional benefits. The estimates should be viewed as indicative benchmarks rather than guaranteed offers.
Verification and Application Advice
Graduates exploring opportunities in the oil and gas industry may find these figures useful, but the report stresses that they are estimates published by Profolio, not officially confirmed salary disclosures from the companies. Shell’s official Nigeria careers page for students and graduates provides information about roles for graduates interested in technical and other professional positions. Chevron also shares recruitment details through its official Nigeria careers page. However, neither page confirms the specific salary estimates in Profolio’s guide.
Applicants are advised to check employers’ recruitment portals for current vacancies, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and programme details. They should also clarify 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 can affect the overall value of an employment package.
Benefits and Career Development
Beyond salary, graduate trainee programmes can provide professional training, practical experience, and opportunities for career development. Candidates should confirm which benefits apply to a specific position rather than assume every graduate trainee receives the same package.
Profolio’s report serves as a starting point for comparing potential earnings in the oil and gas sector. Nevertheless, graduates should verify salary information directly with employers before making career decisions, as actual offers may differ from the published estimates.
