Where can mechanical engineers work in Nigeria?
Hello, welcome to Savina Academy. In today’s article, we will be discussing places or areas where mechanical engineers can work in Nigeria as a mechanical engineering graduate.
Mechanical engineering is one of the most diverse engineering fields today. It involves the design, development and maintenance of machines, tools, etc.
Mechanical engineering in Nigeria and the world today has evolved far beyond traditional machine design and maintenance.
In today’s digital era, the field has adopted new technologies that blend mechanics with electronics, software, and data science.
This transformation has given rise to new courses like mechatronics, robotics, automation, and renewable energy engineering.
In Nigeria, this evolution is opening new doors for mechanical engineers in industries like tech startups, automotive innovation, energy management, and smart manufacturing.
Whether you are a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, understanding where mechanical engineers can work in Nigeria will help you identify the right career opportunities and industries that match your skills and interests.
What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?
For every design, production and maintenance of machines and mechanical systems that make everyday life and industries function smoothly, Mechanical engineers are the backbone behind this.
They apply the principles of physics and mathematics to develop efficient and reliable solutions to improve products and technology.
In simple terms, mechanical engineers design, build, and maintain machines like engines, turbines, manufacturing equipment, and vehicles. Their work ensures that systems operate safely and efficiently.
Here are some of the things mechanical engineers do.
- Design and Development
- Testing and Analysis
- Manufacturing and Production
- Maintenance and Repair
- Research and Innovation
- Project Management
Top industries that employ mechanical engineers in Nigeria
Mechanical engineering is one of the few engineering courses that can function across almost every major sector in Nigeria. Below are some big industries where mechanical engineers are in high demand.
Oil and Gas Industry
Mechanical engineers are very important in oil exploration, drilling, and refining processes.
They design, operate, and maintain mechanical systems like pipelines, pumps, compressors, and turbines used in refineries.
Power and Energy Sector
In this sector, mechanical engineers help to design and maintain turbines, generators, and power plants.
Manufacturing and Production Companies
Mechanical engineers oversee machinery used in food processing, cement production, textiles, consumer goods, etc. They ensure smooth operations and reduce downtime.
Automotive and Transportation Industry
Mechanical engineers design, assemble, and maintain vehicles, engines, and transport systems.
Agricultural and Food Processing Industry
Mechanical engineers design and maintain machines used for farming, irrigation, harvesting, food packaging, and processing. They help improve agricultural productivity.
Government and Public Sector
Mechanical engineers are employed by government agencies, ministries, and parastatals to oversee public infrastructure and maintenance.
Research Institutions and Academia
Many mechanical engineers work as lecturers or researchers, developing new technologies and training future engineers. They also contribute to innovation.
Top companies that hire mechanical engineers in Nigeria.
In Nigeria today there are several local and multinational companies that employ mechanical engineers across different sectors.
These organisations rely so much on mechanical engineers to design, operate, and maintain critical systems that drive their operations.
Below are some of the top companies and organisations that hire mechanical engineers in Nigeria:
- Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
- Siemens Nigeria
- Shell Petroleum Development Company(SPDC)
- Dangote Group
- Power Holding Companies (e.g., Eko Electricity, Abuja Electricity Distribution)
- Nigerian Breweries Plc
- Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM)
- Chevron, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil
- Julius Berger Nigeria Plc
Average salary of mechanical engineers in Nigeria
The average salary of mechanical engineers in Nigeria varies depending on experience, qualification, industry, and location.
Mechanical engineers working in oil and gas or energy sectors earn higher salaries compared to those in manufacturing, construction, or the public sector.
A mechanical engineer in Nigeria earns on average between ₦150,000 and ₦700,000 per month, depending on their level and the company they work for.
Salary by Industry (Average Monthly Estimate)
- Oil and Gas: ₦600,000 – ₦1,500,000
- Power and Energy: ₦400,000 – ₦900,000
- Manufacturing: ₦200,000 – ₦600,000
- Construction: ₦180,000 – ₦500,000
- Automotive: ₦150,000 – ₦450,000
- Government/Public Sector: ₦120,000 – ₦350,000
- Academia/Research:₦150,000 – ₦400,000
Challenges mechanical engineers face in Nigeria
While mechanical engineering is one of the most respected engineering professions in Nigeria, it also comes with several challenges that can affect mechanical engineers.
Below are some of the major challenges mechanical engineers face in Nigeria today.
- Limited Access to Modern Equipment and Technology
Many Nigerian industries still rely on outdated machines and manual processes. Mechanical engineers often work with old-fashioned tools, which limits innovation and makes it difficult to apply modern engineering methods like automation, robotics, and 3D modelling.
- Poor Industrial Infrastructure
Nigeria’s weak infrastructure is also a major challenge faced by mechanical engineers today.
This includes unreliable power supply, bad roads, and a poor maintenance culture.
- Poor salaries in most sectors
While some multinational companies offer good salaries, many local firms pay below-average salaries for mechanical engineers. This discourages young engineers and contributes to brain drain, as many seek better opportunities abroad.
- Outdated Curriculum
Many universities today in Nigeria still teach outdated mechanical engineering courses that don’t match the latest industry trends. As a result, graduates often lack hands-on experience with modern tools like CAD, CNC machines, or automation systems.
- Maintenance and Spare Parts Challenges
Most industrial machines in Nigeria are imported, and when they break down, spare parts are very scarce and expensive.
- Unemployment
Many talented mechanical engineers JAPA (a common word for young talented professionals who intend to leave the country for better opportunities) because of unemployment or underemployment
Conclusion
In conclusion, mechanical engineering still remains one of the most dynamic and valuable engineering courses.
Although the profession faces challenges such as outdated infrastructure, lack of modern equipment, and unemployment.
Presently, to succeed as a mechanical engineer, you must continue to upgrade your skills, not just what is being taught in schools. Enrol for programmes and training where you can learn about emerging technologies like CAD software, robotics, and IOT.