Dangote Refinery secures interim court order to prevent NUPENG strike action and ensure continued fuel distribution.
The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from embarking on industrial action or compelling other drivers to join any planned strike against Dangote Refinery.
In its ruling, the court further prohibited the unions from blocking distribution routes or interfering with the operations of Dangote Refinery, its partners MRS Oil Nigeria Plc and MRS Oil and Gas Company Ltd.
Court warns of “irreparable damage” to Dangote Refinery if industrial action disrupts operations and national fuel supply
The decision followed an ex parte motion filed by George Ibrahim (SAN), counsel to Dangote Refinery. Justice Subilim, who delivered the ruling, noted that refusing the refinery’s application could cause “severe and irreparable damage.” The judge therefore granted temporary restraining orders for seven days, pending the determination of a motion on notice.
Justice Subilim also directed that the respondents be served with the motion and supporting documents within the week, stressing that since the court’s vacation jurisdiction ends on September 23, the matter would be reassigned to another judge for hearing.
Tanker drivers ordered to maintain operations while court prepares to hear full case.
Dangote’s legal team had earlier urged the court to stop NUPENG and its affiliates from initiating or supporting strike actions that could disrupt fuel supply across the country. The refinery also requested that tanker drivers continue lifting and distributing petroleum products to MRS and other partners until the court decides on the substantive case.
Dangote pledges to compensate unions if restraining order later found to be wrongful.
In support of the application, Ahmed Hashem, Group General Manager for Government and Strategic Relations at Dangote Refinery, deposed to an affidavit pledging that the company would compensate the unions should the injunction later be deemed wrongful.
After reviewing the arguments, the court ruled in favour of Dangote, restraining NUPENG and the Drivers Association from embarking on any strike designed to cripple the refinery’s operations.
“Both unions must maintain petroleum trucking services to ensure uninterrupted supply pending the hearing of the main suit,” Justice Subilim held.
Dispute centers on unionisation rights as NUPENG accuses Dangote of anti-union practices.
The injunction comes amid a brewing dispute between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery over unionisation rights. NUPENG had earlier accused the refinery of preventing tanker drivers and other staff from joining recognised unions, leading to a one-day strike. Though the matter appeared settled after a high-level meeting with government officials, tensions resurfaced when NUPENG alleged that Dangote ordered drivers to strip off union stickers from their vehicles.
The union also accused Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, a top Dangote Group executive, of using helicopter surveillance and naval presence to intimidate union officials at the refinery.
