Protest in Akwa Ibom as Exxon Mobil ex-workers demand unpaid entitlements

A peaceful protest erupted in Eket on Monday, October 14, 2024, as 2,930 retrenched ExxonMobil workers, comprising former janitorial service workers and catering workforce, defied heavy downpour to march the streets, demanded payment of their severance benefits.

The ex-employees, who were let go between 2012 and 2017, are seeking compensation for their unpaid entitlements.

Holding placards with poignant messages, the protesters conveyed their frustration and determination.

The inscriptions read: “ExxonMobil Janitorial Staff and Unified Catering Workforce Staging a Peaceful Protest Over Non-Payment of Entitlements (Pay Off) Since 2012/2017” and “Human Rights Community to ExxonMobil: Respect Labour and Nigeria Constitution – Stop the Abuse of Human Rights/Labour Rights in Nigeria Unlimited. We’re Not Slaves; Pay Us Our Entitlements Before Signing Divestment to Seplat Energy”.

Mr. Moses Mbong, spokesperson for the ex-unified catering workforce, echoed said, “we’re not asking for favours; we’re demanding what’s rightfully ours.

ExxonMobil must take responsibility for its actions and pay us our dues.”

A human rights activist, Comrade Renner Ekong emphasized the workers’ plight.

“For years, these dedicated employees served ExxonMobil, contributing to the company’s success. Now, they’re being denied their rightful entitlements. This is a gross violation of their human rights and labour laws.”

Mr. Samuel Etukudo Ekpe, another leader of the retrenched workers, recounted the struggles they’ve faced. “Many of our members have suffered immensely, struggling to make ends meet. Some have lost their homes, businesses, and even loved ones due to the financial hardships caused by ExxonMobil’s refusal to pay our entitlements.”

The protesters are calling on ExxonMobil to pay all outstanding severance benefits to retrenched workers, respect labour laws and human rights, and prioritize the welfare of its former employees before divesting to Seplat Energy.

As the protest continues, the international community is urged to take notice of ExxonMobil’s actions.

The Nigerian government must also intervene to ensure that the rights of its citizens are protected.

About Exxon Mobil

Exxon Mobil Corporation, commonly known as ExxonMobil, is an American multinational oil and gas corporation. It is one of the world’s largest publicly traded oil and gas companies.

ExxonMobil engages in exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, refining and marketing of petroleum products, production of petrochemicals and fertilizers, and transportation and sale of crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products.

The company was formed in 1999 through the merger of Exxon Corporation and Mobil Corporation, two of the largest oil companies in the world at the time.

ExxonMobil has several subsidiaries, including ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, Mobil Oil Corporation, Esso, Imperial Oil (Canada), and ExxonMobil Chemical Company.

ExxonMobil operates in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, with major operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.

The company has faced criticism and controversy over various issues, including climate change denial and lobbying, environmental pollution and spills (such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill), human rights abuses in countries where it operates, and allegations of corruption and bribery.

ExxonMobil is one of the largest companies in the world, with revenue exceeding $478 billion in 2022 and a market capitalization of over $500 billion.

The company employs approximately 72,000 people worldwide.

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