The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has issued a restraining order against the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), temporarily barring the union from disrupting the operations of Dangote Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, and MRS Oil & Gas Company Limited.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted the interim injunction, following an ex parte motion filed on behalf of the refinery by its legal counsel, George Ibrahim.
The court order specifically prohibits NUPENG and affiliated drivers’ groups from:
- Blocking public roads,
- Shutting down fuel distribution activities,
- Engaging in any form of industrial action aimed at disrupting petroleum trucking to and from the affected companies, or
- Coercing other truck drivers to join in any strike action.
Court Grants Relief Over Risk of “Irreparable Damage”
Justice Subilim ruled in favor of the applicants after considering the potential for significant disruption and economic harm if the refinery and related operations were brought to a halt.
“This court, having satisfied itself that there is a serious issue to be tried… and that irreparable damage may be occasioned if the necessary orders are not granted… grants the application,” the judge stated.
The judge added that the court is satisfied with the undertaking of damages provided by the applicants should the court later find that the injunction was wrongly granted.
The interim injunction will remain in effect for seven days, pending the hearing of the motion on notice. The judge also directed that all legal documents be served to the respondents within the same timeframe.
Due to the court’s limited jurisdiction during the judicial vacation which expires on September 23,the judge ordered the case to be reassigned by the President of the Industrial Court to another judge who will continue proceedings, including hearing the substantive suit.
Background: Union Dispute Escalates
Tensions between NUPENG and the affected companies particularly Dangote Refinery and MRS Oil escalated earlier this month over allegations of anti-union behavior.
On September 11, NUPENG issued a “red alert” to its members, warning of a possible nationwide industrial action after suspending an earlier strike just days before.
The union accused Sayyu Dantata, owner of MRS Oil, of instructing long-standing Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) a NUPENG subgroup to remove union stickers from their vehicles. The directive reportedly led to heated confrontations between drivers and union officials.
The court’s temporary order now places the union under legal obligation to stand down its activities, at least until a full hearing is held.
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