WRPC Contractors Protest Nonpayment of Contracts Since 2024

Omon‑Julius Onabu in Asaba

Contractors working for the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) Limited in Ekpan, Delta State, have voiced concerns over unpaid contracts dated from 2024 onward.

They said the refinery has not yet addressed the debts for the work they performed, work that was “executed according to specifications and duly certified by the authorities of the refinery.”

In a statement released Monday, the contractors announced plans for a peaceful protest to highlight their situation, describing the financial hardship they are experiencing as a result of the unpaid invoices.

They said the protest is a last resort after multiple formal appeals to Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, and Engr. Bayo Adenrele, Refinery Coordinator, requesting release of funds to settle the outstanding debts.

The statement, signed by Mr. Pius Abolagha—one of the group’s leaders—and Mr. Felix Oyowe, who represents the Ubeji Community of Warri, noted that the interest on the loans the contractors secured for the projects is becoming unsustainable.

“Sadly, the failure of payment is having a negative impact on the contractors who borrowed money to execute the various contracts,” they wrote. “Above all, it is undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda that is working effectively for the nation.”

Earlier, the contractors sent an S.O.S. to Engr. Bayo Adenrele, explaining that banking institutions were unwilling to honor the WRPC’s promissory notes for the contracts, even though the contractors had obtained loans to carry them out.

“We went the extra mile to source funds for the proper execution of these contracts,” they said. “Our financiers are no longer comfortable with us and are threatening to sell our properties, which we used as collateral since our post‑dated cheques issued have rolled over several times.”

The contractors urged the refinery authorities to pay the outstanding amounts to prevent further embarrassment and to allow them to meet family responsibilities. They noted that many of their children are currently out of school and that delays could worsen the situation.