Support Staff at Warri Refinery Protest Poor Working Conditions

A group of support staff at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) have continued their protest for a fifth consecutive day, alleging unfair labour practices and a lack of adequate response from management.

The workers, referred to as back-up staff, have blocked the entrance to the refinery since Monday, demanding improved working conditions and pay parity with permanent employees. They claim that current conditions amount to “workplace slavery.”

Speaking to the press, workers’ representative Dafe Ighomitedo criticised WRPC management for failing to address their grievances, suggesting the delay could hinder President Bola Tinubu’s broader reform agenda for Nigeria’s oil sector.

“The management keeps saying they are waiting for approval from Abuja,” said Mr Ighomitedo. “But we will not leave this protest ground until we are given concrete assurances.”

He also warned of attempts to disrupt the peaceful protest, urging demonstrators to remain calm and law-abiding.

The Warri refinery, one of Nigeria’s key oil processing facilities, has seen billions of naira invested in recent years as part of a national effort to revive domestic refining capacity. However, protesters argue that without improved welfare for support staff, such investments may yield limited results.

The National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which oversees WRPC, has not yet issued an official response.