PH Refinery Workers Demand Unpaid Salaries from NNPCL

Support staff at the PH Refining Company (PHRC) in Eleme have threatened to shut down the refinery within 48 hours unless the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) addresses their demands regarding unpaid salaries and welfare issues. On October 5, 2026, workers protested by blocking the entrance and setting up tents, demanding payment of seven months of salary arrears.

They accused the refinery management of failing to implement a new salary structure approved by NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, which was supposed to take effect on October 1, 2026. The workers alleged that Refinery Coordinator Bayo Adelere delayed the implementation and were told to wait until January 2027.

Union Chairman Bennett Isy stated that if their demands were not met within the specified time, they would proceed with the shutdown. The union's demands include the implementation of the approved salary structure, payment of outstanding salaries, and approval of N1 million in housing relief for eligible workers.

The NNPCL did not respond to the allegations.