How to apply for FG’s 2026 research grant

The Federal Government, via the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, has issued a call for proposals for its 2026 Annual Oil and Gas Research Grant Competition. The program aims to bolster local research capabilities and foster innovative solutions to challenges in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. Successful projects will be awarded research grants disbursed in stages contingent on milestone achievements. This guide outlines eligibility requirements, eligible research areas, proposal format, and the application process.

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens residing in Nigeria and engaged in academic institutions, companies, research organizations, or non-governmental organizations. The principal researcher must be a senior academic based in Nigeria, though international collaboration is permissible. Working with industry professionals is highly encouraged, and multidisciplinary teams are advantageous.

PTDF has identified eight research themes for the 2026 competition. These areas encompass energy security, sustainable production, gas commercialization, integrated technologies, environmental sustainability, digital oilfield advancements, facilities engineering, and energy economics and policy. Each theme targets specific challenges or opportunities within the oil and gas industry, such as AI-enhanced seismic imaging, smart wells, gas-to-power systems, renewable energy, carbon capture, and local content development.

To prepare a research proposal, applicants must adhere to PTDF's prescribed structure, which includes a cover page, executive summary, background, literature review, research objectives, methodology, commercialization plan, budget justification, capacity-building components, and appendices. The proposal should not exceed 5,000 words, using Times New Roman, font size 12, 1.5 line spacing, and 2.54cm margins on all sides. Citations must follow APA 7 style, and personal or institutional identifiers should be omitted.

Interested and eligible researchers can apply by visiting the official PTDF Oil and Gas Research Grant portal, creating an account, selecting a research theme, preparing the proposal according to the specified structure, thoroughly reviewing the proposal for formatting and content adherence, completing all required sections, and submitting the proposal electronically through the portal. Applicants should monitor the portal and their communication channels for further updates.