Ex-TotalEnergies Workers Threaten Shutdown Over Dismissals

Ex-workers from TotalEnergies, particularly from Egi in Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, have threatened to shut down the company's oil mine lease OML 58 due to alleged unjust dismissals of 47 indigenous contract staff since 2014. The Niger Delta Widow Prayer Forum, representing the affected workers, issued a petition to TotalEnergies' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in Paris, accusing the company of unfair treatment and discrimination.

The petition demands the conversion of contract staff to permanent employees and improved welfare conditions. The workers lament the devastating impact of their dismissals on their families, with many resorting to menial jobs to survive.

They express disappointment over the company's failure to address their grievances and warn of mass protests involving women groups across the Niger Delta if the situation is not resolved within seven working days. Henri Ehuik, a representative, has attempted to engage with TotalEnergies management but has not received a response.