Support staff at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) in Delta State have gone on an indefinite strike, shutting down the refinery. They are protesting against what they call poor treatment by the company’s management.

The protesting workers gathered at the company’s entrance in large numbers, blocking access to the facility.

During the protest, they sang solidarity songs and held placards demanding better working conditions. They described their current situation as “workplace slavery.”

The workers said they would stay at the entrance of the refinery until their requests are addressed.

The support staff leader, Dafe Ighomiteso, said they make up about 80% of the refinery’s workforce. He expressed sadness that they have to protest just to get fair treatment at work.

Ighomiteso explained that the workers have been complaining since 2015. He said they have a five-page document detailing their concerns, which they plan to share with the public.

According to him, they have been asking for just one thing — better working conditions.

He revealed that cleaners working in dangerous parts of the refinery only recently began earning ₦34,500 a month.

Other workers like engineers and technicians now earn between ₦90,000 and ₦165,000. But even with that, they don’t receive any insurance or medical benefits.

The support staff also don’t get pension, transport, housing, or meal allowances. Ighomiteso said they are being treated like slaves.

He added that some workers have been with the company for up to 18 years.

He clarified that they’re not asking to earn the same as full-time employees, but they want to be paid fairly like support workers in other parts of the oil and gas industry. He also mentioned that casual employment is illegal in Nigeria, yet it continues without anyone defending them.

Despite their protest, the workers said they still support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plans to revive Nigeria’s refineries.

One of the protesters, Innocent Ileleji, who works as a cleaner and gardener, confirmed they only earn ₦34,500. He said they were promised a pay review back in 2013.

Ileleji added that many of them are still owed back pay, and their small salaries can’t support their families. He urged the management to fix the issue.

Another worker, Elohor Poko, described their pay as extremely low. She called on the General Chief Officer to listen to their complaints and improve their conditions.

A source from WRPC, who didn’t want to be named, said the plant is currently shut down due to ongoing maintenance work.

Only the Turbine Unit is still running, to keep things going at a basic level.

The source also said that the refinery is 60% complete.

Attempts to get a response from WRPC’s management failed, as they chose not to comment.