By Timothy Ejoh
Support staff at Nigeria’s three state-owned refineries have commenced a peaceful protest over low wages, denial of benefits and a delay in implementing a new salary package, according to a statement jointly signed by workers’ representatives.
The staff, from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) and Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), said they have faced poor conditions for over a decade despite repeated assurances from management.
They said they are deprived of housing, transport, meal, hazard and leave allowances, as well as medical benefits, insurance cover and pension.
Monthly earnings currently range between 90,000 naira and 165,000 naira, which they said is inadequate given current economic realities and not in line with the Federal Government minimum wage framework, the statement said.
The workers said they had welcomed reports that the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bashir Bayo Ojulari, had approved a new salary package effective October 1, 2026.
But they said they were concerned by reports that implementation may be delayed until January 2027.
“Another delay after more than a decade of waiting is unacceptable,” the statement said, calling for immediate implementation from October 1 or a clear official explanation for any postponement.
The support staff said they were aware of plans to rationalize about 40% of the workforce as part of ongoing restructuring at the refineries.
They called for transparency on the plan and said workers who have served for years should not lose their jobs without appropriate compensation.
The workers demanded a comprehensive severance package for all existing support staff affected by any restructuring, before management decides who to retain or re-engage under fresh employment terms with clearly defined salaries, benefits and conditions of service.
They also demanded a documented Condition of Service and an end to the denial of statutory benefits.
The workers appealed to the NNPCL GCEO to ensure that approved directives are implemented and not frustrated by administrative bottlenecks.
They said the protest would be peaceful, orderly and lawful and urged security agencies to act professionally.
NNPCL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.