How much does a NNPC staff earn in Nigeria?

NNPC staff are employed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Nigeria’s state-owned oil corporation. Their roles cover a wide spectrum—spanning engineering, geology, operations, project management, finance, administration, IT, and environmental safety. They play a crucial part in the exploration, production, refining, and distribution of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, and uphold compliance with safety and regulatory standards within the oil and gas sector.

The average salary for a nnpc staff in Nigeria can vary based on the employer, location, and experience. The approximate figures are:

Note: These figures are estimates and can vary. Senior and specialized professionals may earn significantly more.

• Entry Level (0-3 years): 180000 - 250000
• Mid Level (4-8 years): 300000 - 600000
• Senior Level (9+ years): 650000 - 900000

• Bachelor's Degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.Eng.): Most graduate recruits and junior technical roles start at this level, with entry-level salaries.
• Master's Degree (e.g., M.Sc., MBA, M.Eng.): Senior technical, supervisory, and management roles typically attract higher salaries for those with advanced degrees.
• Professional Certifications (e.g., NSE, COREN, ICAN): Specialist roles in engineering, accounting, or operations can command extra allowances or promotions upon acquiring relevant professional certifications.

A career as NNPC staff requires strong academic credentials, relevant technical or professional qualifications, and successful navigation of NNPC’s highly competitive recruitment process.

1. Earn a relevant bachelor’s degree from an accredited Nigerian university (e.g., University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, or Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun).
2. Complete the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
3. Gain experience through internships, industrial attachment, or entry-level roles in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
4. Apply for NNPC graduate trainee or experienced hire positions through the official NNPC careers portal during open recruitment windows.
5. Prepare for and pass the NNPC aptitude test and assessment centres.
6. Undergo background and medical checks before receiving an offer of employment.

Most positions require at least a second-class upper (2:1) Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, Accounting, Chemistry, Law, or related disciplines from a recognized Nigerian university. Additionally, completion of the NYSC programme is mandatory. Higher roles may require a Master's degree or professional certifications. An excellent academic record and relevant work placement experience will give candidates a significant advantage.

Professional certifications frequently required or highly regarded by NNPC include membership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), registration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and other oil & gas industry-relevant memberships such as Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Continuous professional development is vital for career advancement.

To enhance your visibility as a potential NNPC staff on LinkedIn, ensure your profile features relevant keywords (such as ‘petroleum engineering’, ‘upstream operations’, or ‘NNPC’), lists Nigerian universities and qualifications, incorporates your NYSC experience, and is connected with industry professionals and relevant groups. Engaging with oil and gas-related content and following NNPC’s official page can increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters.

See how a nnpc staff's salary in Nigeria compares to other professions. This can help you understand your earning potential and career options.