29th September 2025-Published by Cyril

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order preventing the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) from carrying out its planned industrial action against the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, ruling on an ex parte application filed by Dangote Refinery on Monday, barred the union from halting crude and gas supply to the refinery or obstructing its operations.

Defendants in the suit

Apart from PENGASSAN, other defendants include:

• Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)
• Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)
• Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, George Ibrahim, who represented Dangote Refinery, argued that PENGASSAN’s planned action posed a direct threat to the refinery’s operations and the Nigerian economy. He sought an interim injunction to prevent disruption of fuel supply, road blockages, and shutdowns.

Background to the dispute

The refinery’s management had recently laid off some workers following what it described as acts of sabotage and safety concerns. However, PENGASSAN alleged that the sackings—over 800 staff by its account—were due to unionisation efforts, describing the move as anti-labour practices.

Dangote Refinery, in its defence, stated that it employs more than 3,000 Nigerians, insisting that the reorganisation affected only a negligible number of staff and was not linked to union activity.

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The company further argued that its $20 billion refinery is a critical national asset built to solve Nigeria’s energy challenges, warning that any disruption could plunge the country into another round of fuel scarcity and energy crisis.

Court ruling

In his ruling, Justice Subilim held that the balance of convenience favoured Dangote Refinery, noting that allowing the strike to proceed would cause irreparable damage to its business and undermine the provision of essential services to Nigerians.

The Judge granted the restraining order for seven days, directing that it be served immediately on all defendants along with the motion on notice. The case has been adjourned to October 13, 2025, for further hearing.

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