Operations at the $10 billion NLNG Train 7 project in Bonny Island, Rivers State, have reportedly been halted as angry workers launched a protest against alleged illegal tax deductions and non-issuance of Tax Identification Numbers (TINs).
The protesters — mainly fitters, welders, and junior staff under the SCD JV (Saipem, Chiyoda, and Daewoo Joint Venture) — accused the management of deducting as much as ₦150,000 monthly from their salaries over the past two years under the guise of “tax clearance,” without providing any official TINs or receipts.
According to reports, the protest began last Thursday and has continued into the weekend, with workers vowing not to vacate the company premises until their grievances are addressed.
They allege that an internal audit revealed that, despite consistent deductions, the supposed taxes were never remitted to the federal government. The workers are now demanding both the release of their TINs and a refund of all monies deducted.
President of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr. Harold Benstowe, called on anti-graft agencies and top security officials to intervene, warning security operatives not to be used to intimidate the workers or suppress the protest.
Meanwhile, efforts to get a response from the NLNG Corporate Communications Department proved unsuccessful as at press time.
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