Pensioners under the banner of Pensioners of Chevron Nigeria (PenCoN) held a peaceful protest yesterday (Tuesday, November 19) at the company’s main office in Lekki, Lagos, accusing Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) of violating their constitutional and labour rights.
Many of the retirees, some of whom have endured pension freezes for nearly 20 years, voiced their frustration over discriminatory practices and Chevron’s failure to engage in meaningful dialogue with them.
Speaking on behalf of the protestors, Omare Jonathan expressed deep disappointment, accusing the company of neglecting their welfare and disregarding Nigerian labour laws.
“It is with a heavy heart that I address this gathering. Our company, which prides itself on integrity and adherence to local laws, has instead chosen discrimination, economic deprivation, and injustice,” he stated.
The pensioners criticized Chevron for refusing to recognize PenCoN as a legitimate union representing over half of the company’s retirees, alleging that despite repeated requests for dialogue, the international oil company has repeatedly dismissed the union’s concerns on the grounds that its internal policies override Nigerian constitutional provisions.
The retirees also highlighted that their pension benefits have not been reviewed since 2006, in violation of constitutional and labor law requirements that mandate periodic adjustments to reflect economic realities.
They pointed out that the devaluation of the naira and the rising cost of living have left many retirees in poverty, with some suffering untimely deaths.
Additionally, the pensioners accused Chevron of favoring the Chevron Retirees Association of Nigeria (CRAN), a limited liability company they claim was set up to suppress dissent among retirees.
The group issued several demands, including the immediate recognition of PenCoN, the restoration of frozen pensions, and greater transparency in pension fund management.
They warned that failure to address their concerns would lead to further actions, including escalating the issue to the media and naming specific Chevron officials allegedly responsible for the situation.
Jonathan concluded with a cautionary note: “Employees of today must remember that they are the retirees of tomorrow.”
The pensioners vowed to continue their fight for justice, stressing that their struggle is not just for their own rights, but for the dignity of labour and future retirees.
