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How Many Jobs Has Shell Created in Nigeria?

Jobs created by Shell in Nigeria: Shell has been one of the major players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry for over 60 years. As a leading multinational energy company, Shell’s investments have significantly contributed to the country’s economy—not just through oil production and infrastructure, but also in terms of job creation and human capital development.

In this article, we explore how many jobs Shell has created in Nigeria, the types of roles available, and the long-term impact of Shell’s employment initiatives on local communities.


💼 Shell’s Employment Footprint in Nigeria

Shell, through its Nigerian subsidiary Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria. As of the most recent available data:

  • Over 4,500 Nigerians are directly employed by Shell companies in Nigeria.
  • More than 90% of these employees are Nigerian citizens.
  • Shell’s operations have also led to over 20,000 indirect jobs, especially through its contractors and service providers.

Shell continues to prioritize Nigerian content development, aiming to increase local participation in high-skill areas such as engineering, procurement, and project management.

How Many Jobs Has Shell Created in Nigeria?

👷 Types of Jobs Shell Has Created

Shell has created diverse employment opportunities across various sectors. These include:

1. Technical Roles

  • Petroleum Engineers
  • Geoscientists
  • Drilling and Production Technicians
  • Maintenance Engineers

2. Administrative and Corporate Jobs

  • Human Resources
  • Finance & Accounting
  • Legal and Compliance
  • Supply Chain Management

3. Contractor and Indirect Jobs

  • Local fabrication
  • Civil engineering firms
  • Community contractors
  • Environmental services

In partnership with Nigerian companies, Shell has empowered numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creating local content jobs in logistics, welding, IT, and more.


🏗️ Community Development & Youth Employment

Beyond direct employment, Shell has created job opportunities through its social investment programs:

  • Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria: This youth entrepreneurship program has trained over 7,000 young Nigerians and helped many start their own businesses.
  • Agricultural and vocational training: Shell supports skills acquisition programs in Niger Delta communities, leading to self-employment and SME growth.

These initiatives promote sustainable job creation in regions that often lack economic opportunities.


🌍 Local Content: Driving Nigerian Talent Forward

Shell supports the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (2010) by promoting indigenous participation in its supply chain.

Some key achievements include:

  • Developing local contractors capable of executing multi-million-dollar projects.
  • Sponsoring Nigerian students in technical universities and overseas programs in energy-related fields.
  • Building capacity for indigenous fabrication and engineering companies, resulting in jobs previously handled by foreign firms now being executed locally.

🔍 What’s the Long-Term Impact of Shell’s Job Creation?

Shell’s presence in Nigeria has contributed significantly to:

  • Skill transfer and talent development
  • Economic empowerment of local communities
  • Reduction in youth unemployment
  • Support for innovation and entrepreneurship

By aligning its hiring practices with Nigeria’s national development goals, Shell has positioned itself as not just an oil company, but a major driver of workforce empowerment.

How Many Jobs Has Shell Created in Nigeria?

📈 Job Creation by the Numbers (Estimates)

CategoryNumber of Jobs Created
Direct Shell Employees~4,500
Contractors and Suppliers~20,000
Shell LiveWIRE Entrepreneurs7,000+
Community Skill Trainees10,000+
Indirect/Induced Employment50,000+

Note: Figures are based on cumulative impact estimates, including both current and past initiatives.


Conclusion: A Lasting Employment Legacy

Shell’s contribution to job creation in Nigeria goes beyond corporate payroll. With over 70,000+ total jobs impacted, Shell’s investment in local capacity building, youth empowerment, and indigenous contracting is a significant pillar in the country’s socio-economic development.

As Nigeria continues to diversify its economy and push for sustainable development, companies like Shell will play a vital role—not just in energy—but in building a resilient and employable workforce.

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