Dangote Refinery court order stops NUPENG strike threat

Dangote Refinery court order restrains NUPENG and truck drivers from strike or picketing, pending resolution of dispute at Abuja court

Dangote Refinery court order has temporarily restrained the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from embarking on any strike or picketing action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Also read: Dangote dismisses monopoly claims, rolls out 4,000 CNG trucks

Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim of the Abuja National Industrial Court granted the interim injunction on Friday following an ex parte application filed by Dangote Refinery’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN).

The order, valid for seven days, bars the unions from obstructing public roads or disrupting operations at Dangote Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Ltd.

The judge said irreparable damage could occur if the injunction was not granted, and directed that the unions be served within the week.

He also ordered the case file to be transferred to the court president for reassignment as the vacation jurisdiction ends on 23 September 2025.

Dangote Refinery argued that the unions’ planned action would cripple operations and petroleum supply.

Counsel Ibrahim maintained that such disruption contravened Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects freedom of association, and Section 12(4) of the Trade Union Act. He said the balance of convenience favoured the refinery.

In its affidavit, the refinery pledged to pay damages should the injunction later be deemed unjustified.

It further reiterated support for voluntary unionism, insisting it respects workers’ rights and dismissed monopoly allegations, pointing out that over 30 refinery licences have been granted to private operators.

NUPENG, however, accused Dangote Refinery of breaching a recent agreement on workers’ rights and intimidating union officials.

The union has placed members on red alert while urging government and civil society groups to intervene.

Also read: Court restrains NUPENG over Dangote Refinery operations

The substantive motion on notice will determine whether the injunction is sustained or lifted.

Quadri Olaitan