DR. BEN O. CHUKWUMAH V. SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF NIGERIA LIMITED

OGUNDARE, J.S.C: (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The plaintiff, Dr. Ben O. Chukwumah is a registered medical practitioner and a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology. In October 1975 he was offered (and he accepted) a locum appointment by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (Nig) Ltd, as a medical officer in the company's service at its Port-Harcourt branch. By a letter dated 26th November 1976 the company offered him (and again he accepted) a regular appointment as a general duties Industrial Medical Officer at its Warri branch with effect from 17th December 1976. He performed so well that a year later his appointment was confirmed and he became a member of the Shell-BP Contributory Pension Fund and was entitled to other benefits other employees of the company enjoyed. It would appear, however, that relations between him and employer soon became strained and by a letter dated 18th August 1981 his appointment with the Company was terminated with effect from the date of the le…