Chevron Workers Urge Olu of Warri’s Intervention Over Unmet Welfare Demands

Indigenous workers at Chevron Nigeria Limited’s onshore and Escravos operations have staged a peaceful protest, alleging that the company has failed to implement agreements reached on their welfare.

The protesting workers appealed to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to intervene and help prevent a larger crisis in the oil-rich region.

Speaking in Warri on behalf of the workers, spokesperson Williams Ebo said:
“These agreements were established following a dialogue with the Chevron representatives. However, the terms remain unfulfilled, and we are left with no option but to seek Your Majesty’s fatherly intervention.”

Ebo outlined 10 key demands, including:

• Implementation of the new salary rate/payday
• Monthly medical allowance
• Payment of severance (take-home) benefits
• Monthly retirement allowance
• Conversion of 70% of community contract workers to direct staff
• Daily transportation allowance
• 13th-month salary payment
• Production bonus
• Provision of three daily meals (not just lunch)
• Inclusion of community workers in annual technical and safety training

“For over three decades, we, the community workers in Chevron locations, have contributed significantly to Chevron’s operations under hazardous conditions, yet we have been denied essential benefits such as health and medical insurance,” Ebo added.

The workers stressed that the denial of medical insurance has jeopardized their health and financial security.

They appealed directly to the Olu of Warri:
“Therefore, we earnestly request His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR), our revered father and King, to mediate in this matter and help bring about a peaceful resolution to the ongoing protest by host community workers in Chevron locations.

Additionally, we respectfully call on the Nigerian Senate, through Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content and representative of Delta South Senatorial District, to collaborate with His Majesty in ensuring that Chevron Nigeria Limited honors its commitments to its host community workers.

May Your Majesty’s reign continue in peace and prosperity.”