The National Industrial Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction to Dangote Petroleum Refinery, restricting the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from taking industrial action against the refinery. The order, issued by Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, prohibits the unions from picketing, obstructing public roads, or disrupting operations at Dangote Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Ltd.

The ruling was made in response to an ex parte motion filed by Dangote Refinery’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), who argued that the unions’ planned actions would contravene Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 12(4) of the Trade Union Act. The court found that the balance of convenience favoured the refinery and that a serious issue was at stake, prompting the issuance of the seven-day restraining order.

Dangote Refinery had approached the court seeking to prevent NUPENG and the drivers’ association from engaging in any action that could cripple its operations. The refinery also requested that the court compel the drivers to continue providing petroleum trucking services to the refinery, MRS, and the Nigerian public pending the determination of the motion on notice.

In a supporting affidavit, Dangote Refinery pledged to pay damages if the injunction was later found to be unjustified. The court has directed that the unions be served within the week and ordered that the case file be transferred to the court president for reassignment, as the vacation jurisdiction ends on September 23.

NUPENG has accused Dangote Refinery of violating a recent resolution on workers’ rights and intimidating union officials. The union has placed its members on red alert and called for intervention from the government and civil society. Dangote Refinery, however, has reiterated its commitment to voluntary unionism, stating that it respects workers’ rights to either join or abstain from union membership. The refinery has also dismissed allegations of monopoly, noting that over 30 refinery licences have been issued to other private operators.

The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between Dangote Refinery and NUPENG, with the union seeking to protect the rights of its members and the refinery aiming to maintain its operations. The court’s decision will be closely watched as the parties await the hearing of the motion on notice.