Workers at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) in Ekpan, Delta State, have entered the sixth day of their strike, accusing powerful forces within the oil and gas sector of sabotaging efforts to revitalize the nation’s refineries.

The protesting casual employees of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) are demanding improved welfare and recognition as “critical staff.” They have vowed to continue their protest until their requests are met.

“We’ve been here since Monday, and we’re determined to stay. Management says they’re waiting for approval from Abuja. But we suspect there are forces working to derail President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda for the oil sector,” said Dafe Ighomitedo, the lead representative of the protesters.

“We’ve dedicated our youthful and productive years to keeping this refinery afloat, yet our salaries have been peanuts.”The workers are protesting a large pay disparity between casual and permanent staff, with Ighomitedo describing the casual staff as “slave workers” who deserve better treatment.

He urged NNPCL’s new Group CEO, Bashir Ojulari, to address the situation immediately to avoid further embarrassment.“Our families are suffering,” Ighomitedo continued.

“We won’t leave this protest site until we see what has been approved for us.”

The workers are calling on Nigerian stakeholders to support their cause, stressing that without their efforts, no amount of investment will keep the refinery running.