Workers at the Port Harcourt Refining Company have threatened to shut down operations over unpaid salaries and other outstanding obligations, urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to address their concerns.
The workers said the delay in payment has created growing uncertainty among employees and could affect operations at the refinery if the issue is not resolved.
They called on the NNPC management to urgently intervene and settle the outstanding salary-related issues, warning that continued delays could lead to industrial action.
The workers also appealed to the relevant authorities to engage with their representatives and find a lasting solution before the dispute escalates.
The Port Harcourt refinery has been undergoing rehabilitation as part of efforts by the Federal Government and NNPCL to restore domestic refining capacity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
The facility is considered strategically important to Nigeria’s plans to increase local fuel production. Any prolonged disruption to operations could therefore add to concerns about the country’s refining capacity.
The workers urged NNPCL to treat the matter as a priority and ensure that employees receive their outstanding payments.
They also called for greater communication between management and workers to prevent further disagreements and maintain industrial harmony at the facility.
As of the latest reports, the dispute remains focused on the workers’ demands over unpaid salaries. Further developments will depend on the outcome of discussions between the employees and NNPCL management.