Platform Oil: Protest In Delta Over Sacking Of Worker, Welfare Packages

A protest yesterday erupted at the Adonishaka community in Ebedei, Ukwuani local government area of Delta State, against Platform Petroleum Limited (PPL) over a prolonged impasse regarding staff welfare.

The protest by the locals, which broke out in the early hours of the day, was sparked by the recent dismissal of one Mr Evans Ossai, a driver from the host community, alongside grievances on staff welfare and poor working conditions.

Sources revealed that Evans, alongside a few other staff, embarked on a peaceful protest over poor remuneration and staff welfare, which led to their dismissal.

The community’s dissatisfaction with Platform Petroleum has been simmering for some time, while the dismissal of Ossai appeared to have frustrated the community into action.

The Adonishaka community had expressed concerns about marginalisation by oil companies operating on their land, highlighting environmental degradation and inadequate social benefits.

The protestors, comprising community chiefs, women and youths, are demanding the reinstatement of Ossai, whose dismissal they believe was unjust.

Protestors who resisted intimidation from combined forces of soldiers and Police have highlighted the substandard working conditions faced by employees, by roving caskets and displaying placards with compelling inscriptions to ventilate their grievances.

Speaking on behalf of the protestors, the oil and gas chairman of the host community, Eseh Ifeanyi, raised pertinent concerns about sack of some staff who are members of the community on no justifiable ground, the welfare of employees working for Platform Petroleum and argued that the company has failed to provide adequate support and benefits to its workers, leading to dissatisfaction and unrest among the staff.

According to him, Ossai’s role within the company was seen as vital and his termination has been perceived as a direct affront to the community’s interests.

“The host community has raised concerns about the welfare of employees working for Platform Petroleum and argued that the company has failed to provide adequate support and benefits to its workers, leading to dissatisfaction and unrest among the staff.

“These conditions are said to include poor remuneration and working conditions, inadequate safety measures, insufficient equipment, and a lack of basic amenities, which have collectively contributed to a decline in morale and productivity,” he said.

The protestors, comprising representatives from various segments of the community, including chiefs, women, youths, and rights activists, have articulated several demands, such as the unconditional reinstatement of Evans Ossai.

Others are immediate improvements in staff welfare, including better healthcare, financial benefits, and enhanced working conditions to ensure safety and comfort for all employees.

Platform Petroleum has previously stated its commitment to empowering communities through social impact initiatives and engaging with local populations to address their needs.

The protest by the Adonishaka community underscores the ongoing tensions between local communities and oil companies in Delta State.

As of press time, no official statement has been issued by PPL management regarding the sack of Ossai or the welfare demands.