Youths from the Alesa and Alode communities in Eleme have taken a stand against the Port Harcourt Refinery, shutting down its operations to demand job opportunities. Despite the refinery undergoing rehabilitation, these community members are frustrated with the lack of employment provided to local residents.

For two days, hundreds of youths blocked the main entrance of the refinery with signs reading “PHRC where did you keep our slots” and “PHRC obey Nigerian Content Act.” The protest, led by Hon. Johnson Nwogu, was sparked by the refinery management’s recent hiring of 165 people, of which only 13 were from Eleme and less than five from Alesa, the host community.

Engr. Eric Chujor, President of the Eleme Graduates Forum, voiced his discontent, stating, “It saddens me to imagine how we are marginalized by multinationals, IOCs, and indigenous companies doing business within the confines of Eleme land. Our employment quota and contract chances have been compromised for far too long as against the Nigeria Content Act. The behaviour of those managing these firms and our representatives in the over 300 companies doing business in Eleme has impoverished our people. Hence, we must rise to the task of fighting against the injustice meted out to us by these groups of people.”

Chujor emphasized the increasing unemployment rate in Eleme, despite the numerous companies profiting from the area. He noted that local graduates and professionals are often overlooked for managerial roles and other positions, leading to a sense of marginalization within the community.

He called on Eleme stakeholders and residents to unite against these injustices to ensure the future growth and development of their land. Chujor also pointed out that companies like Tecnimont employ only a handful of Eleme graduates as direct staff, violating the Nigeria Local Content Act.