Court Restrains NUPENG From Shutting Down Dangote Refinery

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has restrained the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from embarking on any strike that could disrupt operations at the Dangote Refinery.

Justice E.D. Subilim issued the interim order after hearing an ex-parte motion brought by Dangote Petroleum Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Limited, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Limited. The applicants argued that shutting down the refinery could cause nationwide economic harm.

The motion, marked NICN/ABJ/279/2024, was presented by senior advocate George Ibrahim. The refinery prayed the court for an injunction restraining NUPENG and its affiliates from any action aimed at crippling or frustrating its business.

It also asked the court to order the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association to continue petroleum trucking services to both the applicants and the public. “Irreparable damage may be occasioned if these orders are not granted,” the motion argued.

Justice Subilim agreed, saying the balance of convenience tilted in favour of the refinery and its partners. She ordered that the interim injunction should last seven days, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

Court’s Ruling and Next Steps

The ruling specifically restrains NUPENG, its members, agents, and privies from taking any strike action against Dangote Refinery. The Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association was also ordered not to participate in any industrial action connected to NUPENG.

“The applicants have given an undertaking as to damages. This Court is therefore satisfied to issue a temporary order,” Justice Subilim ruled.

A certified copy of the enrolment order confirmed that the case file would be sent to the President of the Court for reassignment to another judge, as the vacation period has ended.

The temporary order is expected to calm fears of immediate disruption at the ₦20 billion refinery, which is widely seen as key to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.

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