Looking for a list of oil and gas companies in Nigeria? Our guide provides an overview of the top oil and gas companies in Nigeria, including the top 10, top 20, and top 50. Discover both indigenous oil and gas companies in Nigeria and major multinational firms. Whether you’re interested in upstream oil and gas companies or looking for the names of oil and gas companies in Naija, we have the information you need. Download our oil and gas companies in Nigeria PDF for a detailed list and explore the key players in Nigeria’s energy sector today.
Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria
Check out our list of the top 10 industry leaders shaping the Nigerian economy.
1. Lekoil Nigeria Limited
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
CEO: Olalekan Akinyanmi
Key Operations: Exploration & Production
Lekoil Nigeria Limited is a standout indigenous oil and gas company in Nigeria, known for its impressive growth and ambition. Although relatively young compared to some of its competitors, Lekoil has made significant progress, especially in the upstream oil and gas sector. The company focuses on onshore and shallow water assets, with a significant concentration in the Niger Delta region.
One of Lekoil’s most notable accomplishments is its successful development of the Otakikpo Marginal Field, which has contributed to Nigeria’s overall oil production capacity. As part of the list of indigenous oil and gas companies in Nigeria, Lekoil’s operational success is a testament to the potential for growth within the country’s domestic energy sector.
In the coming years, Lekoil aims to expand its production capacity and increase its exploration efforts to tap into more of Nigeria’s vast hydrocarbon resources. Its forward-looking approach places it among top oil and gas companies in Nigeria, poised for future success.
2. Shell Nigeria
Founded: 1936
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
CEO: Osagie Okunbor
Key Operations: Onshore, Offshore & Gas Projects
Shell Nigeria has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s oil industry since its inception in 1936, making it one of the oldest and most influential oil and gas companies in the country. Shell’s comprehensive operations cover exploration, production, transportation, and gas projects, making it a key player in multiple facets of the energy sector.
Among its major accomplishments is the development of the Bonga field, which remains Nigeria’s first deepwater oil discovery and continues to make a significant contribution to the country’s oil output. This achievement alone underscores Shell’s longstanding dominance as one of the top 10 oil and gas companies in Nigeria.
Shell’s commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation has allowed it to maintain its leadership position despite the evolving global energy terrain. The company’s deep-water projects and its focus on cleaner energy alternatives have solidified its place in the top 50 oil companies in Nigeria.
3. Chevron Nigeria
Founded: 1913
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
MD: Jim Swartz
Key Operations: Exploration & Production
Chevron Nigeria has been an integral part of Nigeria’s energy setting since the country’s first oil discovery in 1956. As a subsidiary of the multinational Chevron Corporation, Chevron Nigeria is a major upstream oil and gas company in Nigeria, particularly known for its advanced gas-to-liquids technology and large-scale oil exploration.
The company’s Escravos Gas-to-Liquids (EGTL) plant, which converts natural gas into high-quality liquid fuels, stands as a milestone in Chevron’s Nigerian operations. This technology has significantly boosted Nigeria’s ability to process natural gas, enhancing the country’s position as a global energy leader.
Chevron’s diverse operations across multiple segments of the oil and gas sector place it firmly among the top oil and gas companies in Nigeria, ensuring its continued importance in the nation’s energy future.
4. ExxonMobil Nigeria
Founded: 1993
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
Chairman: Shane Harris
Key Operations: Offshore Production, Marketing & Downstream
ExxonMobil Nigeria, a subsidiary of the global oil giant ExxonMobil, has a strong presence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, with operations covering everything from exploration to production and refining. As one of the top 20 oil and gas companies in Nigeria, ExxonMobil has played a key role in offshore oil production, particularly in the deepwater regions of the country.
The company’s technological expertise in offshore production, along with its downstream operations, has positioned it as a major player in Nigeria’s energy market. ExxonMobil’s strategic investments in Nigeria ensure its continued dominance in both the upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors.
With ongoing projects that focus on deepwater oil fields, ExxonMobil continues to be a formidable presence in the list of oil and gas companies in Nigeria, especially in offshore exploration and production.
5. Ardova PLC
Founded: 1964
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
CEO: Olumide Adeosun
Key Operations: Downstream Sector
Ardova PLC, formerly known as Forte Oil, is one of the most prominent downstream oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The company’s operations span fuel retailing, lubricant production, and petroleum product marketing. Ardova’s strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and customer service have allowed it to grow rapidly within Nigeria’s competitive downstream sector.
Ardova’s strong foothold in the Nigerian market, along with its continuous expansion of retail outlets, ensures that it remains one of the top 50 oil companies in Nigeria. As the demand for petroleum products increases, Ardova’s role in meeting domestic energy needs becomes even more critical.
The company’s focus on sustainability, efficient operations, and high-quality products makes it an integral part of the country’s energy infrastructure.
6. Addax Petroleum
Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
MD: Sagiru Jajere
Key Operations: Exploration & Production
Addax Petroleum, a subsidiary of Sinopec Group, is a major player in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector. The company has been instrumental in developing oil reserves in Nigeria’s deepwater fields and continues to contribute significantly to the country’s oil production.
Although Addax faced challenges in 2023 when its assets were acquired by NNPC Limited, the company’s legacy and influence in Nigeria’s oil industry remain strong. As part of the list of oil and gas companies in Nigeria, Addax’s role in Nigeria’s exploration and production activities is still felt, especially in offshore oil fields.
Addax’s continued presence in Nigeria’s energy sector shows the importance of multinational partnerships in the country’s oil and gas industry.
7. Oando PLC
Founded: 1956
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
CEO: Adewale Tinubu
Key Operations: Upstream, Midstream & Downstream
Oando PLC is one of the most well-known indigenous oil and gas companies in Nigeria, with operations across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. The company’s recent acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ Nigerian assets significantly expanded its upstream portfolio, making it one of the most diversified energy companies in the country.
Oando’s integrated approach to energy production and distribution ensures that it remains a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Its focus on sustainability, energy innovation, and growth in both domestic and international markets makes Oando one of the top 100 oil and gas companies in Nigeria.
8. Cambridge LNG
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
CEO: Lekan Akinyanmi
Key Operations: LNG Production, Transportation & Marketing
Cambridge LNG is a leading company in Nigeria’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, contributing to the development of the country’s vast natural gas reserves. The company specializes in the production, transportation, and marketing of LNG, making it a key player in Nigeria’s energy transition.
Cambridge LNG’s focus on developing infrastructure and leveraging Nigeria’s natural gas resources positions it as a crucial part of the oil and gas companies in Nigeria that are pivoting toward cleaner energy sources.
As global demand for LNG continues to rise, Cambridge LNG’s operations are critical to meeting both domestic and international energy needs.
9. Frontier Oil
Founded: 2001
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
CEO: Engr Dada Thomas
Key Operations: Exploration & Production
Frontier Oil is a relatively young but highly efficient company that focuses on oil exploration and production in the Niger Delta region. Known for its cost-effective operations and innovative approach to oil production, Frontier Oil stands as one of the top indigenous oil and gas companies in Nigeria.
The company’s operational excellence and focus on improving production processes make it a strong contender in Nigeria’s competitive oil industry. Frontier Oil’s commitment to sustainability and reducing operational costs ensures its continued success in the top 10 oil and gas companies in Nigeria.
10. Conoil
Founded: 1927
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
CEO: Michael Adenuga
Key Operations: Marketing of Petroleum Products
Conoil is one of the oldest and most established downstream oil and gas companies in Nigeria. With operations spanning fuel retailing, lubricant production, and aviation services, Conoil has been a trusted name in the Nigerian market for decades. The company’s long history and strong customer base have earned it a prominent position on the list of oil and gas companies in Nigeria.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
