Support staff at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) have protested over seven months of unpaid salaries. The workers also demanded the immediate implementation of a new salary structure.
According to the workers, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari approved the new structure. They said the approval set October 1, 2026, as the effective date.
However, the workers claimed that the Refinery Coordinator, Bayo Adelere, refused to implement the approval. They therefore issued management a 48-hour ultimatum.
The workers warned that they would shut down the refinery if management ignored their demands.
Workers Block Refinery Entrance
The Support Staff Union members barricaded the PHRC entrance in Eleme, Rivers State, on Monday. They also mounted tents and displayed placards during the protest.
Several placards carried strong messages against the alleged delay. One read,
“No more empty promises, January 2027 is too far to implement new salary structure.”
Another placard read,
“Workers deserve dignity: Fair pay is our right.”
Others demanded the removal of the Refinery Coordinator.
The protesters listed four major demands. They want the approved salary structure implemented immediately. They also want seven months of unpaid salaries and other entitlements.
In addition, the workers requested a N1 million housing or rent relief package. They also demanded better communication between management and recognised labour representatives.
Union Warns of Total Shutdown
Speaking during the protest, PHRC Support Staff Union Chairman Bennett Isy criticised the alleged refusal to implement the approval.
“You cannot tell us that the GCEO of the NNPCL approved something and the RC will say no. That is insubordination,” Isy said.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the dispute. Isy said workers would follow due process but would not abandon their demands.
“If it is not implemented in the next 48 hours, to God, we are going to shut down this refinery,” he warned.
Workers Raise Safety and Welfare Concerns
Meanwhile, the protesters also raised concerns about safety, healthcare and living conditions at the refinery.
A female union member, Joy Osueiya, said January 2027 would come too late for the workers. She also alleged that some workers had suffered serious injuries while working at the refinery. According to her, some colleagues had also lost their lives.
Another worker, Godspower Nwakanji, urged the President to intervene. He said workers could not continue working without salaries and proper medical support.
“We cannot renew our hope in hunger and poverty,” Nwakanji said.
The workers have now given management 48 hours to address their demands. They insist that failure to act could trigger a total shutdown of the Port Harcourt refinery.
