Inside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), a cornerstone of the nation’s energy sector, whispers were heard from insiders early Saturday morning 6th of September of significant salary hikes for its workforce, drawing both praise for strategic foresight and backlash from observers concerned about equity.
This move, affecting thousands of employees, highlights the ongoing battle to keep skilled professionals in an industry vital to Nigeria’s economy, including key oil-producing areas like Rivers State. As the company headquartered in Abuja navigates economic turbulence, these adjustments made last payment cycle indicate efforts to maintain operational excellence in regions where petroleum activities drive local livelihoods and infrastructure.
In a bid to counter the effects of rampant inflation and repeated naira devaluations over the last two years, NNPCL reportedly approved upward revisions in pay and benefits for its 6,280 employees as of April 2025. This includes 5,077 male staff members, representing 80.8% of the total, and 1,203 female employees, making up 19.2%.
Some increments reached as much as 50%, with corresponding boosts in allowances to align with current economic pressures. Funded through a 30% management fee under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the initiative tapped into a pool of N25.3 billion reported in August 2025 during a presentation to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Company insiders explain that these changes are crucial for staying competitive in the global oil and gas arena. “As a responsible employer, NNPC Limited strives to maintain a competitive salary structure that reflects prevailing realities in the energy industry,” a source within the organization shared.
The adjustments aim to prevent a talent drain, where experts might leave for better-paying opportunities abroad or elsewhere. Recent hires from high-salary government agencies have already joined NNPCL, signaling the appeal of the new packages.
However, the source noted, “Even with recent adjustments, our compensation remains at the mid-range compared to global oil and gas standards, and we continue to face challenges in attracting and retaining top talent.”
This talent retention strategy is particularly relevant in Rivers State, home to major oil refineries and exploration sites that form the backbone of NNPCL’s operations. The state’s economy heavily relies on petroleum revenues, which support jobs, community projects, and development initiatives.
By bolstering staff retention, NNPCL ensures smoother management of these assets, minimizing disruptions that could ripple through local supply chains and affect thousands of indirect workers in the region. Yet, the salary boosts have ignited debates across the country.
Critics argue that such generous raises for a state-owned entity come at a time when many Nigerians grapple with rising living costs, questioning whether the funds could better address broader public needs like subsidies or infrastructure. Some anonymous voices within the company even suggest the increases were backdated, adding fuel to calls for greater transparency in how public resources are allocated.
Also see: ”We Won’t Be Nice With Super Eagles” -Rwanda Warns
The oil and gas sector, long a pillar of Nigeria’s GDP, faces unique hurdles in keeping pace with international benchmarks while dealing with domestic fiscal constraints. NNPCL’s actions reflect a proactive stance, but they also spotlight the tension between corporate competitiveness and national fiscal responsibility.
As the company under Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari pushes forward, stakeholders watch closely to see if these measures will stabilize the workforce without exacerbating public discontent. For residents in Rivers State and beyond, the implications extend to energy security and economic stability, as a well-staffed NNPCL could enhance production efficiency and contribute more reliably to federal allocations that fund state services.
In the coming months, further scrutiny from regulatory bodies and civil society may shape how NNPCL balances talent needs with accountability. For now, the salary initiative stands as a testament to the company’s adaptability in a volatile market, even as it invites broader conversations on equitable growth in Nigeria’s resource-driven economy.
