Port Harcourt Refinery Workers Demand Salary Action

Support staff of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, represented by the PHRC Support Staff Union, have threatened to shut down the refinery located in Eleme, Rivers State, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) does not address their grievances within 48 hours. The workers are demanding the payment of seven months of unpaid salaries and the implementation of a new salary structure approved by NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, effective from October 1, 2026.

Additional demands include a N1 million housing or rent relief for eligible workers and improved consultation between management and labor representatives. Union Chairman Bennett Isy stated that failure to meet these demands would lead to a complete shutdown of the refinery, criticizing management for insubordination.

Workers expressed that the salary delays have caused severe hardship, with some alleging injuries and loss of colleagues while working at the facility. Isy has called for intervention from President Bola Tinubu.