Tensions Rise as Warri Refinery Workers Extend Ongoing Strike
Operations at the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company remain at a standstill as workers continue their strike action, demanding improved working conditions and payment of outstanding entitlements.
The strike, which entered its second week on Friday, has drawn growing attention from stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, raising concerns over its potential impact on local fuel distribution and the long-delayed revitalization of the refinery.
Speaking to journalists outside the refinery gate, one of the protesting workers, Mr. Efetobore James, said: “We’ve been patient for too long. We deserve to be paid what we’ve worked for, and the government must fulfill its promises to upgrade this refinery.”
The aggrieved workers are also calling for clarity on the ongoing rehabilitation project, which was announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) last year. Many employees say they’ve been left in the dark regarding the timeline and progress of the project.
Union leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of engagement from management, warning that the strike may escalate if their demands are not addressed soon. They emphasized that their actions are not meant to sabotage national interests, but to demand fairness and transparency.
“We are not against the federal government or NNPCL,” said a union representative. “We just want dignity, fair treatment, and for the refinery to function as it should.”
The Warri Refinery, one of Nigeria’s key oil facilities, has operated far below capacity for years, contributing to the country’s reliance on imported refined products despite being a major crude oil producer.
As talks between the workers and management stall, the public watches closely, hopeful that dialogue will prevail before the strike impacts broader fuel supply chains.
[logo-slider]
