Support staff at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) blocked the refinery entrance in Eleme, Rivers State, on October 6, 2026, protesting seven months of unpaid salaries and demanding implementation of a new salary structure. The workers, under the PHRC Support Staff Union, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) management, warning of a complete shutdown if their demands are not met.
Workers Accuse Refinery Coordinator of Delaying Approved Pay Structure
The union accused Refinery Coordinator Bayo Adelere of refusing to implement a new salary structure that was approved by NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, effective October 1, 2026. According to the workers, management had asked them to wait until January 2027 for the new pay structure to take effect, a delay the union rejected.
Union Chairman Bennett Isy told reporters during the protest: "We are not backing down the union had followed due process in seeking a resolution." The workers set up tents at the refinery entrance, blocking access to the facility as part of the demonstration.
Union Presents Four Demands Including N1 Million Rent Relief
The union's demands include immediate implementation of the approved salary structure, payment of seven months of outstanding salaries and other entitlements, approval of N1 million in housing or rent relief for eligible workers, and greater consultation between refinery management and recognised labour representatives on staff welfare issues.
Protesters displayed placards with messages including "Workers deserve dignity: Fair pay is our right" and "Stop the delay, no more postponement." Worker Joy Osueiya said the union had rejected waiting until January for the new salary structure, stating: "January 2027 is too late workers had faced hardship and safety concerns at the facility."
Appeal to President Tinubu and NNPCL Response
Another worker, Godspower Nwakanji, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, citing concerns over unpaid wages and access to medical care. The NNPCL did not immediately respond to the workers' allegations in the material provided.
The Port Harcourt refinery, one of Nigeria's major refining facilities, has undergone rehabilitation as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products. The protest comes amid broader developments in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector, with recent market data showing petrol prices in Calabar and Port Harcourt falling below Dangote Petroleum Refinery's ex-gantry price as depot operators compete for buyers amid increased product availability.
