Sacked Agip workers protest, seize company’s ferry

Sylvester Idowu, Warri - 06.02.2009

Four sacked workers of Nigerian Agip Oil company last Monday seized a ferry belonging to the firm in protest against non-payment of their entitlements and three months’ salary arrears.

Nigerian Tribune gathered on Thursday that the action of the ex-workers of the oil company disrupted movement of passengers and goods for some hours before normalcy was restored to the area.

Sources disclosed that the aggrieved workers stormed the Ase Creek Ferry in Kwale, Delta State, at about 10.00 a.m and took possession of the ferry, christened “Pontu,” stopping all movements through the boat.

One of the sacked workers, who preferred anonymity, told the Nigerian Tribune that they were demanding for the payment of all their entitlements and the three months’ salary arrears the company owed them.

Meanwhile, the Ndokwa Youths Movement for Change has called on Agip and other oil companies in the area to be socially responsible to their host-communities.

The president of the group, Mr Igwe Uche, at a public function held at the Ogbe Travellers Joint, Kwale, to sensitise the youth on how to achieve development, said the oil and gas companies operating in Ndokwa land needed to help in the development of their host communities.