The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from embarking on strike action or picketing against the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the refinery’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), also barred the unions from blocking public roads or disrupting operations at Dangote Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Ltd.
The order, which is valid for seven days, was granted to prevent irreparable damage pending the hearing of a motion on notice. The court also directed that the unions be served immediately and ordered the case file transferred for reassignment after the vacation period.
Dangote Refinery had sought the court’s intervention to stop any industrial action that could cripple operations. Its counsel argued that the unions’ threats violated constitutional provisions and the Trade Union Act.
In response, NUPENG accused the refinery of intimidating workers and violating a recent resolution on labour rights, while placing its members on red alert and calling for government and civil society intervention.
Dangote Refinery maintained that it respects voluntary unionism and dismissed monopoly claims, stressing that over 30 refinery licences have been issued to other operators.
