Port Harcourt Refinery Workers Demand Payment of Seven Months’ Salaries

Workers at the Port Harcourt Refining Company in Rivers State are threatening to stop operations unless their seven months of unpaid salaries are paid. The workers, part of the Support Staff Union, protested outside the refinery on Monday, demanding action from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The workers are upset about the delay in implementing a new salary structure that was approved by the NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari. They have given the company a 48-hour deadline to address their demands or face a complete shutdown of the refinery.

During the protest, workers displayed signs with messages like “No more empty promises” and “Workers deserve dignity: Fair pay is our right.” They set up tents at the entrance, which disrupted activities at the refinery.

The union’s chairman, Bennett Isy, stated that the new salary structure was supposed to start on October 1, 2026, but nothing has happened since the approval. He expressed frustration over the unpaid salaries and warned that if their demands are not met, they will shut down the refinery completely.

Workers are also asking for a housing relief of 1 million naira to help with accommodation issues and better communication from management regarding workers’ welfare. Some workers shared their struggles, mentioning the hardships they face due to unpaid salaries and lack of medical support.

One union member, Joy Osueiya, highlighted the dangers of working at the refinery, saying that many have suffered injuries and health issues. She called for immediate action, stating that waiting until January 2027 for changes is unacceptable.

Another worker, Godspower Nwakanji, urged President Bola Tinubu to step in, emphasizing that they cannot continue to work under such poor conditions without proper support.