by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Protest at the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State over alleged ‘non-payment of staff salaries’ for months entered its fourth day on Friday.
The protest, which commenced on Tuesday, entered its second day on Wednesday and continued on Thursday and Friday with protesters vowing to resume the protest on Monday “more seriously” after Friday half hours showdown, according to staff at the facility.
Our correspondent reported that the aggrieved workers blocked the entry gate to the administrative block, disrupting normal activities at the refinery, for having been owned salaries from three months upward.
A staff member, who spoke to our correspondent on Friday (on condition of anonymity), said that the protest was triggered by the failure of management to pay staff salaries for several months.
“Protest continue at Kaduna refinery at the entry gate to administrative block, from Tuesday to Friday today, and will be extended to Monday next week until we are paid of our salaries,” according to a protester.
“We even say, if they don’t want our services again, let them pay our salaries and pay us off; we are ready to go,” the source emphasized.
The source told our reporter that a large number of contract staffs are being owned salaries for several months, depending on their contractors and the categories of staff affected, with total number yet to be ascertained.
Efforts to get official reaction from the refinery management were still unsuccessful due to their unavailability.
The protesters, chanting, “Pay us our money,” comes amid ongoing concerns over the welfare of workers at the refinery, which has been largely dormant for years due to turnaround maintenance and rehabilitation efforts.