For 34 months without pay, some workers attached to houseboats serving military operations in the Niger Delta, have decided not to keep quiet again.
They are revolting that they now struggle to provide for their families, with some claiming their children have stopped attending school because of the prolonged non-payment.
The workers made the complaints during a protest at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where three indigenous houseboat contractors are seeking payment for services allegedly rendered to the Nigerian Army.
The protesters appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene, saying the financial difficulties had left them unable to meet basic household needs.
One of the workers described the situation as increasingly difficult, saying the unpaid entitlements had affected their ability to feed their families and maintain the boats.“They should pay us our money. We’re hungry. Our boats have dilapidated. Our source of revenue, our source of income, our source of family savers,” the protester said.
For another worker, the approaching Christmas season has added to the pressure, as families struggle to prepare for the festive period without regular income.“Our families need to eat. December is coming up. Christmas is coming up. For 34 months, we have not received our salary,” the worker lamented.
The situation has also reportedly affected children’s education, with another protester saying some families could no longer afford to keep their children in school.“We are hungry for 34 months; we can’t take care of our homes because the salary is not there. Our children no longer go to school,” the worker said.
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The Military Operations’ Support Staff protest coincided with proceedings in a suit filed by Peaches Integrated Services Limited, Etucom Integrated Services Limited and Godsam Industrial Services Limited.The three companies are asking the court to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe, to settle outstanding payments allegedly owed for houseboat rental services.
The contractors provide houseboats used to accommodate and support troops operating in the creeks of the Niger Delta.During the protest, workers carried placards with messages appealing for government intervention.
Some read, “Our families are hungry, our children are suffering. Pay us our monies” and “Pay us for our 34 months houseboat supply services.”Others called on the National Assembly to intervene, while some accused the Defence Headquarters of treating Niger Delta contractors unfairly.
When the case came up on Monday, counsel to the plaintiffs, Reuben Wanogho, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the hearing of a preliminary objection.Only counsel representing the first defendant was present when the matter was mentioned.
Justice Stephen Daylop Pam subsequently adjourned the proceedings until November 18, 2026, for the hearing of the preliminary objection.Beyond the financial difficulties described by the workers, the dispute has also raised concerns about the condition of the houseboats.
The vessels provide accommodation and logistical support for military personnel deployed to the region’s waterways as part of operations against oil theft and other illegal activities.The contractors’ alleged inability to maintain the boats amid the payment dispute could therefore have implications for the continued availability of these services.
Emiabata Deborah Oluwabusiolami
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