The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has invited qualified Nigerian researchers to submit proposals for its 2026 Annual Oil and Gas Research Grant Competition, seeking projects that address practical challenges in the country’s petroleum industry.
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The competition aims to strengthen indigenous research capacity, encourage the development of local technologies and support solutions that can improve the oil and gas sector. Successful proposals will receive research grants, with funds released in instalments based on agreed milestones. Projects may run for a maximum of 24 months.
The research themes cover energy security, basin development, sustainable production, enhanced oil recovery, gas commercialisation, renewable energy, environmental sustainability, digital oilfields, automation, artificial intelligence, facilities engineering, local manufacturing, energy economics and policy.
Other areas include carbon pricing, fiscal systems, supply-chain logistics, methane reduction, cybersecurity, robotics and the use of emerging technologies in petroleum operations.
PTDF said Nigerian citizens residing in the country and working in academic institutions, companies, research organisations or non-governmental organisations are eligible to participate.
The principal researcher must be a senior academic, although collaboration with industry is strongly encouraged. Nigerian researchers based abroad may collaborate, but the principal researcher must reside in Nigeria. Multidisciplinary teams are also encouraged.
Applicants are required to provide a research proposal containing an executive summary, background and problem definition, literature review, objectives, methodology, work plan, commercialisation and adoption plan, budget justification, capacity-building components, references, tables, figures and relevant appendices.
The fund expects proposals to demonstrate clear benefits for Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
The proposal must demonstrate industry relevance, a clearly defined research problem, measurable objectives, sound methodology and a practical plan for commercialisation or adoption.
PTDF said shortlisted principal researchers would defend their proposals before a panel comprising academic and industry experts. Assessment will consider research quality, technical merit, implementation plans, value for money and the capacity of the research team.
How to apply
Interested researchers should prepare their proposals in line with the competition guidelines and submit them electronically through the official portal at https://oilandgasresearch.ptdf.gov.ng. The stated submission deadline is Wednesday, February 10, 2027. Applicants should consult the portal for the full requirements, formatting instructions and submission details before uploading their proposals.
