Two indigenous firms 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 ₦1 billion for contracts executed in 2024.
The companies lamented that the prolonged delay in payment has taken a severe toll on their operations and workforce, with some employees reportedly falling ill, while others struggle to meet basic family needs after nearly a year without salaries, reports Daily Independent.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, the Chief Executive Officer of ELC Oil and Gas Services Limited, Mr. Chelsea Enebeli, alongside the Managing Director of Chiefest Nigeria Limited, Hon. Jerry Mmanwoke, disclosed that both firms supplied Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel to Oando Plc but have yet to receive payment.
Enebeli explained that the supplies were financed through loans obtained from banks and other financial institutions, noting that the companies are now under intense pressure from creditors.
“We supplied PMS and diesel to Oando in 2024 after securing substantial loans from financial institutions. Unfortunately, the company has not deemed it necessary to settle the debt, while our lenders are mounting pressure on us.
“As we speak, things are so bad that we hardly take care of family needs. Staff have not been paid for more than seven months. Last year, I had to undergo an operation and my wife borrowed money for the surgery to save my life, yet the company I supplied goods for has refused to pay me,” Enebeli lamented.
In a letter dated April 2, 2026, titled “Request for Immediate Payment of Outstanding Invoices,” ELC Oil and Gas Services formally demanded that the management of Oando Plc settle all outstanding payments owed to the company, lamenting that despite repeated reminders, the obligation remains unmet.
“We require that the payment be made immediately without further delay. Should this not occur, we will instruct our lawyers to formally write to you to pursue this matter or I will be at your Port Harcourt Base with my family including my children and staff who are yet to be paid for six months now.
“Do well to mobilise everything and everyone at your disposal, because my family, staff and I will not leave your premises until payment is received”.
Enebeli lamented that it was unfortunate that invoices dating back to 2024 remain unsettled, noting that the situation has severely impacted his operations.
He disclosed that he has been unable to meet obligations to suppliers, with some company assets reportedly taken over due to mounting debt.
He further decried that Oando Plc’s indebtedness to both Chiefest Nigeria Limited and ELC Oil and Gas Services is substantial.
He, however, called on well-meaning Nigerians and the National Assembly to enact legislation that would safeguard the business interests of indigenous contractors from being undermined by more privileged companies.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Group Managing Director of Oando Plc, Solomon Agba, were unsuccessful, as his phone line could not be reached.
