Sharon IKECHUKWU
Even though the Port Harcourt refinery is not working and remains unproductive, workers of the facility have demanded N1 million rent relief and implementation of a new salary structure.
The workers under the Support Staff Union of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, Eleme. On Monday, staged a protest blocking the main entrance of the refinery and mounting tents at the gate over seven months of unpaid salaries.
The Chairman of the Support Staff Union, Bennett Isy, who spoke during the protest, “said the workers are demanding the immediate implementation of a new salary structure approved by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, which was supposed to take effect from October 1, 2026.
He also mentioned that the workers are also demanding the payment of their seven months outstanding salaries, N1 million rent relief for eligible support staff, and improved engagement with labour representatives.
And also provide an improved consultation and effective engagement among the Refinery coordinator, managing directors, relevant management authorities and recognized labour representative on matters affecting workers welfare.”
The union has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the NNPCL management to implement the new structure or risk total shutdown of the facility, adding that the workers will not back down.
