Warri Refinery support staff continue protests over severance pay

Support staff at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) in Delta State, Nigeria, have been protesting since October 5, demanding severance packages and improved welfare following the expiration of their contracts on September 30.

Approximately 338 workers, representing a significant portion of the refinery's workforce, claim they have faced poor remuneration and denied benefits since 2015. Protesters stated that despite years of promises regarding improved conditions or conversion to permanent employment, they have received inadequate pay without medical, pension, transport, or hazard allowances.

Labor representatives have accused the Refinery Coordinator for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Adenrele, of lacking integrity and failing to honor commitments. The workers are demanding that management calculate and pay all outstanding entitlements as part of their severance packages.