Support Staff Union members at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) have given NNPC Limited 48 hours to implement a new salary structure or face a total shutdown of the refinery in Eleme, Rivers State.
The workers blocked the entrance to the facility on Monday, set up tents at the gate and carried placards, which disrupted activities at the complex, Punch reported.
The union said the structure was approved by the NNPC Limited Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, on October 1, 2026, with the same date as its effective start. It alleged that the PHRC Refinery Coordinator, Bayo Adelere, has not implemented it and told workers to wait until January 2027.
The union chairman, Bennett Isy, said nothing had been done since the effective date and that the workers would act if their demands were not met. "We are going to shut down this refinery," he said.
The union listed four demands:
The workers want the approved salary structure and remuneration package implemented in line with its effective date. They want the N1m housing and rent relief they requested approved for eligible support staff. They want seven months of outstanding salaries and other entitlements paid. They also want better consultation between the Refinery Coordinator, managing directors, management and recognised labour representatives on welfare matters.
A union member, Joy Osueiya, alleged that workers have died on the job and that some have lost limbs in the course of their work at the refinery. Another member, Godspower Nwakanji, said staff had worked for 10 years without access to medical response.
Placards at the protest called for the removal of the Refinery Coordinator, and the union asked President Bola Tinubu to intervene.