Two indigenous companies based in Port Harcourt, ELC Oil and Gas Services and Chiefest Nigeria Limited, have threatened to stage a large-scale protest over the alleged nonpayment of more than N1 billion for contracts executed in 2024.
The firms said the prolonged delay has severely impacted their operations and workforce, with several employees reportedly falling ill while others struggle to meet basic needs after months without salaries.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, the Chief Executive Officer of ELC Oil and Gas Services Limited, Chelsea Enebeli, alongside the Managing Director of Chiefest Nigeria Limited, Jerry Mmanwoke, alleged that both companies supplied Premium Motor Spirit and diesel to Oando Plc but have yet to be paid.
Enebeli explained that the supplies were financed through loans obtained from banks and other financial institutions, adding that the firms are now under mounting pressure from creditors.
According to him, the situation has worsened to the point where staff salaries have remained unpaid for over seven months, leaving workers unable to cater to their families.
He further recounted personal hardship, stating that he had to rely on borrowed funds for a medical operation, despite delivering contracted supplies to the oil company.
In a letter dated April 2, 2026, ELC Oil and Gas Services formally demanded immediate settlement of all outstanding invoices, warning that failure to comply would lead to legal action and a protest at Oando’s Port Harcourt base.
The letter indicated that the company, alongside its staff and family members, may occupy the premises until payment is made.
Enebeli lamented that invoices dating back to 2024 remain unsettled, noting that the situation has disrupted business operations, with some company assets reportedly seized due to mounting debts.
He also called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to enact laws that would better protect indigenous contractors from unfair business practices.
Efforts to reach the Group Managing Director of Oando Plc, Solomon Agba, were unsuccessful, as his phone line could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
