Operations at the Port Harcourt Refining Company may be disrupted as support staff have threatened a total shutdown of the facility over seven months of unpaid salaries and delays in implementing a newly approved salary structure.
Members of the Support Staff Union staged a protest at the refinery complex in Eleme, Rivers State, barricading parts of the facility and displaying placards demanding immediate action from management.
The workers accused management of failing to implement a salary structure reportedly approved by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari.
According to union leaders, the salary package was expected to take effect from October 1, 2026, but implementation has yet to commence.
The protesters issued a 48-hour ultimatum, warning that refinery activities would be brought to a halt if their demands remain unmet.
Among the demands presented by the union are the immediate implementation of the approved remuneration package, payment of seven months’ salary arrears, settlement of outstanding entitlements and approval of a N1 million housing support package for eligible workers.
The union also called for improved engagement between management and labour representatives on issues affecting staff welfare.
Placards displayed during the protest reflected growing frustration among workers, with messages demanding prompt implementation of approved benefits and accusing management of unnecessary delays.
Union Chairman Bennett Isy said workers could not understand why a policy approved by the NNPCL leadership had not been implemented at the refinery level.
He argued that continued delays were worsening the economic hardship faced by employees and their families.
Some workers also complained about difficulties in paying rent, accessing healthcare and meeting other financial obligations due to prolonged salary delays.
Protesters called on President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of NNPCL to intervene in the dispute and ensure that approved welfare measures are implemented without further postponement.
They also demanded the removal of the refinery coordinator, alleging that management decisions were undermining staff welfare and industrial harmony.
The development comes as the government continues efforts to strengthen local refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
Labour leaders warned that failure to address workers’ concerns could have serious implications for refinery operations.
