Oil and Gas Companies Past Questions and Answers

Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” boasts one of the largest oil reserves on the continent, with proven reserves exceeding 37 billion barrels as of 2025. The industry, centered primarily in the Niger Delta region, has been a pivotal driver of economic growth since the discovery of oil in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, in 1956. Today, it accounts for over 80% of the country’s export earnings and employs a diverse workforce ranging from engineers to environmental specialists.

For aspiring professionals, entering this sector means navigating competitive recruitment processes, including aptitude tests designed to evaluate critical thinking, technical acumen, and industry knowledge. Manny Spark, curated by Dr. Manny, is your go-to educational platform for mastering these challenges. With a focus on Nigeria-specific content, our resources empower candidates to excel in tests from major players like NNPC and international firms.

“The oil and gas sector is not just about extraction; it’s about innovation and sustainability,” quotes Dr. Manny, founder of Manny Spark. This guide delves deep into past questions and answers, providing an educational foundation to build your career. For broader insights into Nigeria’s energy landscape, explore our internal link to Nigeria’s Energy Evolution.

The Niger Delta, encompassing states like Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom, is the epicenter of operations, where companies manage upstream exploration, midstream transportation, and downstream refining. Beyond jobs, these firms offer community programs, such as skill acquisition centers in Port Harcourt and health clinics in Warri, fostering local development.

The Importance of Aptitude Tests in Oil and Gas Recruitment

Aptitude tests are the gateway to lucrative positions in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. These assessments, often administered online or at testing centers in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, measure a candidate’s ability to handle real-world scenarios, from analyzing production data to ensuring safety protocols.

Bold statistic: According to a 2024 report by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), over 50,000 applicants vie for fewer than 5,000 entry-level roles annually, making preparation essential. Tests typically last 60-90 minutes and include multiple-choice questions under timed conditions.

Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria offer forums for discussion, but Manny Spark provides tailored, educational compilations.

Why Choose Manny Spark for Your Preparation

As Dr. Manny of Manny Spark, I bring over 5 years of experience in educational consulting, specializing in STEM fields for Nigerian youth. Our materials are meticulously researched, drawing from actual recruitment exams to ensure relevance.

 What sets Manny Spark apart is our commitment to holistic education—not just answers, but explanations that build foundational knowledge. Users report a 40% improvement in test scores after using our PDFs.

Contact Dr. Manny at 08039822082 or 09051720414 for personalized guidance.

Major Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria: Locations and Offerings

Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem features a mix of state-owned and multinational entities, each with unique footprints and contributions.

• Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC): Headquartered at the iconic NNPC Towers in Abuja’s Central Business District, with major operational hubs in Port Harcourt’s Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout. NNPC oversees the entire value chain, including the Kaduna Refinery in Kaduna State and the Warri Refinery in Delta State. Offerings include apprenticeships, research grants, and environmental remediation in oil-spill affected areas like Ogoni land in Rivers State.
• Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC): Primary office in Port Harcourt’s Old GRA, with Lagos branches in Ikoyi. Operations span the Bonny Island LNG Terminal in Rivers State and onshore fields in Imo State. Beyond extraction, Shell provides vocational training centers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa, and solar energy projects in rural communities.
• ExxonMobil Nigeria: Based in ExxonMobil House, Victoria Island, Lagos, with key facilities at the Qua Iboe Terminal in Eket, Akwa Ibom. They offer deepwater drilling expertise, employee wellness programs, and partnerships with universities in Uyo for STEM education.
• TotalEnergies Nigeria: Located at Total House, Victoria Island, Lagos, and Port Harcourt’s Aggrey Road office. Operations include the Egina FPSO offshore Lagos and gas plants in Obite, Rivers State. Additional services: Renewable energy initiatives like solar farms in Abuja and youth entrepreneurship hubs in Calabar, Cross River State.
• Chevron Nigeria: Headquartered in Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos, with Warri operations in Delta State. They manage the Agbami Field offshore and offer malaria prevention programs in host communities, plus engineering scholarships.
• Seplat Energy: Indigenous firm based in Lagos Island, with fields in Edo and Anambra States. Offerings include gas-to-power projects and community infrastructure like roads in Sapele, Delta State.
• Oando PLC: Head office in Victoria Island, Lagos, with midstream assets in Apapa. They provide fuel distribution networks nationwide and CSR programs in education across Kano and Enugu.
• Aiteo Group: Operations in Benin City, Edo State, and Port Harcourt. Focus on upstream, with community health clinics in Nembe, Bayelsa.

These locations highlight the sector’s spread from southern deltas to northern refineries, offering diverse career paths.

Understanding the Structure of Aptitude Tests

Tests vary by company but generally include 50-100 questions across multiple sections, with negative marking in some cases. NNPC uses Dragnet format, while Shell employs Cubiks-style assessments. Time management is key, as sections are segmented.

Bold advice: Allocate time proportionally—e.g., 20 minutes for verbal, 30 for numerical.

Subjects in Focus: A Detailed Breakdown

Core subjects include verbal, numerical, mechanical, abstract, logical, spatial, and technical knowledge. Each tests specific skills relevant to oil rig operations or pipeline management.

Sample Past Questions:

Verbal Reasoning (Expanded Set)

Verbal reasoning evaluates reading comprehension and vocabulary, crucial for interpreting safety manuals.

1. Passage: “Nigeria’s shift to gas flaring reduction aligns with global climate goals, as mandated by the PIA.” Question: What drives the reduction? A) Economic costs B) Climate goals C) Oil prices D) Workforce. Answer: B) Climate goals.
2. Analogy: Reservoir is to oil as aquifer is to? A) Gas B) Water C) Rock D) Sand. Answer: B) Water.
3. Antonym: What is the opposite of “upstream”? A) Downstream B) Midstream C) Refining D) Exploration. Answer: A) Downstream.
4. Inference: If oil prices rise, exports increase. Prices rose last quarter. What follows? A) Exports increased B) Decreased C) Unchanged D) Uncertain. Answer: A) Exports increased.
5. Synonym: Equivalent to “hydrocarbon”? A) Mineral B) Compound C) Element D) Alloy. Answer: B) Compound.
6. Passage: “The Bonny Terminal handles 50% of exports.” Question: Implication for logistics? A) Central role B) Minor C) None D) Risky. Answer: A) Central role.
7. Word in context: “The drill bit penetrated the strata.” Strata means? A) Layers B) Tools C) Fluids D) Pipes. Answer: A) Layers.
8. Analogy: FPSO is to offshore as refinery is to? A) Onshore B) Pipeline C) Tanker D) Well. Answer: A) Onshore.
9. Critical thinking: “All wells produce oil; some produce gas too.” Which is true? A) All produce gas B) Some don’t produce oil C) None produce gas D) Some produce only oil. Answer: D) Some produce only oil.
10. Passage on Niger Delta ecology: Question on impacts. Detailed explanations provided in Manny Spark PDF.

“Verbal skills ensure clear communication in high-stakes environments,” says Dr. Manny.

Numerical Reasoning (Expanded Set)

Numerical tests involve calculations, graphs, and data interpretation, mirroring production forecasting.

1. A rig extracts 1,200 barrels/day at 75% capacity. Weekly output? A) 6,300 B) 8,400 C) 5,400 D) 9,000. Answer: A) 6,300. Calc: 1200 x 0.75 x 7.
2. Percentage: Gas output from 2.5 to 3.2 billion ft³. Increase? A) 28% B) 20% C) 32% D) 25%. Answer: A) 28%. ((3.2-2.5)/2.5)x100.
3. Ratio: If crude:gas = 3:2, and total 500 units, crude? A) 300 B) 200 C) 250 D) 400. Answer: A) 300.
4. Series: 5, 10, 20, 40, ? A) 60 B) 80 C) 50 D) 100. Answer: B) 80.
5. Graph: Oil prices Q1: N700, Q2: N850, Q3: N900. Average? A) N816.67 B) N800 C) N850 D) N750. Answer: A) N816.67.
6. Probability: 4 out of 10 wells succeed. Probability next succeeds? A) 0.4 B) 0.6 C) 0.5 D) 1. Answer: A) 0.4.
7. Currency conversion: 1 barrel = $80, exchange N1,500/$. Naira value? A) N120,000 B) N100,000 C) N150,000 D) N80,000. Answer: A) N120,000.
8. Area calculation for pipeline: Radius 0.5m, length 100m, volume? (Use π=3.14) A) 78.5 m³ B) 157 m³ C) 50 m³ D) 100 m³. Answer: A) 78.5. πr²h.
9. Budget: Exploration N10m, production N15m, total N30m. Exploration %? A) 33.3% B) 50% C) 25% D) 40%. Answer: A) 33.3%.
10. Advanced stats: Mean production 1,000 bpd, SD 100. Z-score for 1,200? A) 2 B) 1 C) 3 D) 0. Answer: A) 2.

Question: Correlation between production and revenue? Answer: Positive linear.

Mechanical Reasoning (Expanded Set)

Mechanical tests cover physics principles applied to equipment.

1. Pulley system: 2 pulleys, effort halved. Mechanical advantage? A) 2 B) 1 C) 4 D) 0.5. Answer: A) 2.
2. Fluid dynamics: In a narrow pipe, velocity? A) Increases B) Decreases C) Same D) Zero. Answer: A) Increases. Continuity equation.
3. Gears: Driver 30 teeth, driven 60, speed ratio? A) 2:1 B) 1:2 C) 1:1 D) 3:1. Answer: B) 1:2.
4. Levers: Effort arm 2m, load arm 1m. Type? A) First B) Second C) Third. Answer: B) Second.
5. Thermodynamics: Gas expansion in cylinder does? A) Work B) Heat C) Pressure drop D) All. Answer: D) All.
6. Materials: Steel vs aluminum for pipelines—why steel? A) Strength B) Weight C) Cost D) Color. Answer: A) Strength.
7. Hydraulics: Pascal’s law application in? A) Brakes B) Gears C) Pulleys D) Levers. Answer: A) Brakes.
8. Kinematics: Object falls 4.9m in 1s. Gravity? A) 9.8 m/s² B) 4.9 C) 19.6 D) 1. Answer: A) 9.8.
9. Electricity basics: Ohms law, V=IR. If V=12, R=4, I? A) 3 B) 48 C) 8 D) 16. Answer: A) 3.
10. Bearings: Reduce? A) Friction B) Speed C) Load D) Size. Answer: A) Friction.

“Mechanical knowledge prevents accidents,” quotes engineer from ExxonMobil.

 Abstract Reasoning (Expanded Set)

Abstract reasoning identifies patterns, vital for troubleshooting.

1. Sequence: Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, ? A) Square B) Triangle C) Hexagon D) Circle. Answer: A) Square.
2. Matrix: [2 4 6; 3 5 7; 4 6 ?] A) 8 B) 9 C) 10 D) 5. Answer: A) 8.
3. Odd one: Red, Blue, Green, Circle. Answer: Circle (shape, others colors).
4. Rotation: If shape rotates 90° clockwise, next? (Describe patterns). Answer: Based on logic.
5. Analogy: A:B :: C:? Patterns in shapes.

6-10: More matrices, series, groupings with explanations.

General Knowledge on Oil and Gas (Expanded Set)

Industry trivia.

1. OPEC founded? A) 1960 B) 1970 C) 1950 D) 1980. Answer: A) 1960.
2. Nigeria joined OPEC? A) 1971 B) 1965 C) 1980 D) 1990. Answer: A) 1971.
3. Largest field? A) Bonga B) Agbami C) Egina D) Bonny. Answer: C) Egina.
4. PIA 2021 key reform? A) Deregulation B) Monopoly C) Tax increase D) Ban. Answer: A) Deregulation.
5. LNG means? A) Liquefied Natural Gas B) Liquid Nitrogen Gas C) Others. Answer: A).
6. Flaring penalty under? A) NUPRC B) DPR C) Both. Answer: A) NUPRC.
7. Major export partners? A) USA, India B) China C) Europe D) All. Answer: D) All.
8. Renewable integration by TotalEnergies? A) Solar B) Wind C) Hydro D) All. Answer: D) All.
9. NNPC subsidiaries? A) NPDC B) NAPIMS C) Both. Answer: C) Both.
10. Environmental act? A) NOSDRA B) NEITI C) Both. Answer: A) NOSDRA.

Bold fact: Nigeria aims for net-zero by 2060.

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 Logical Reasoning

Logical tests syllogisms and deductions.

1. All engineers are trained; some trained are certified. Conclusion? A) All engineers certified B) Some engineers certified C) None D) Uncertain. Answer: B).

2-10: More puzzles, flowcharts.

 Spatial Reasoning

Spatial for visualizing 3D models.

1. Cube net: Which folds to cube? Descriptions.

2-10: Rotations, mirrors.

Technical Knowledge Specific to Oil and Gas

Technical on processes.

1. Drilling mud function? A) Cool bit B) Stabilize well C) Both. Answer: C).

2-10: Reservoirs, fracking, etc.

“Technical prowess defines career longevity,” Dr. Manny.

Advanced Preparation Strategies

• Daily practice: 2 hours on weak areas.
• Mock tests: Simulate in quiet spaces like Lagos libraries.
• Group study: In Port Harcourt cafes.
• Resources: Manny Spark PDF,

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Aptitude Tests

• Rushing: Read questions twice.
• Guessing wildly: Eliminate options.
• Ignoring units in numerical.
• Overlooking negatives in verbal.
• Review answers post-test.

Real-Life Success Stories from Nigerian Professionals

Meet Ade from Lagos, who used Manny Spark to join Shell: “The samples mirrored the real test.” Or Chioma from Abuja, now at NNPC: “Explanations built my confidence.”

Quotes from alumni emphasize preparation’s role.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Oil and Gas Professionals

• Master locations like Port Harcourt for contextual understanding.
• Practice diverse questions for versatility.
• Manny Spark offers educational depth.
• Focus on sustainability trends.
• Contact Dr. Manny for support.
• Build a study routine.
• Leverage tables and visuals for learning.
• Explore internal Career Paths Guide.
• Stay updated