Port Harcourt Refinery Staff Threaten Shutdown in 48 Hours Over Seven Months Unpaid Salaries

Support staff at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) have threatened to shut down the refinery within 48 hours if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) does not address their demands on unpaid salaries and welfare. The workers blocked the refinery entrance in Eleme, Rivers State, set up tents and demanded seven months of salary arrears.

The PHRC Support Staff Union also accused refinery management of failing to implement a new salary structure it said had been approved by NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari with effect from October 1, 2026. The protest was reported as taking place on Monday, October 5, and on October 6, 2026.

Four Demands, 48-Hour Ultimatum

Union Chairman Bennett Isy said the workers would shut the facility if their demands were not met within 48 hours. Isy told reporters during the protest: "We are not backing down the union had followed due process in seeking a resolution."

The union presented four demands. They include implementation of the approved salary structure, payment of seven months of outstanding salaries and other entitlements, and approval of N1 million in housing or rent relief for eligible workers. The union also called for greater consultation between refinery management and recognised labour representatives on issues affecting staff welfare.

The workers alleged that Refinery Coordinator Bayo Adelere had delayed implementation of the new pay structure and said they had been asked to wait until January 2027.

Protesters displayed placards, including one that read "Workers deserve dignity: Fair pay is our right" and another that read "Stop the delay, no more postponement."

Workers Reject January 2027 Timeline

Worker Joy Osueiya said the union had rejected waiting until January for the new salary structure to take effect. Osueiya said: "January 2027 is too late workers had faced hardship and safety concerns at the facility."

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.

Why It Matters

The Port Harcourt refinery is one of Nigeria's major refining facilities and has undergone rehabilitation as the country seeks to cut its dependence on imported petroleum products. A shutdown would hit a plant only recently brought back into operation.

Petrol prices in the region have already been falling. Market data obtained by Petroleumprice.ng showed prices across selected depots in Calabar ranged between N1,303 and N1,310 per litre, while Port Harcourt prices fell within a narrow range of N1,305 to N1,308 per litre. Those levels sit below Dangote Petroleum Refinery's ex-gantry price, as depot operators compete for buyers amid increased product availability.