By Adelabu Jumoke
In a significant development aimed at preserving Nigeria’s energy stability, the National Industrial Court in Abuja has stepped in to prevent a looming showdown between the PENGASSAN and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim granted an interim injunction on Monday barring PENGASSAN from executing its threat to disrupt crude and gas supply to the multi-billion-dollar refinery — a move that could have had far-reaching consequences on the country’s fuel supply and economy.
The restraining order, which will remain in effect for seven days, was issued in response to an ex-parte motion filed by the refinery’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), George Ibrahim. Dangote Refinery argued that the planned industrial action was both premature and unlawful, and could cripple its operations — which it claims are critical to national interest.
The legal dispute stems from a recent restructuring exercise at the refinery that led to the termination of certain staff. PENGASSAN accused the company of targeting union members in what it described as “anti-labour practices,” claiming over 800 workers were laid off due to their union affiliations. Dangote Refinery, however, refuted these claims, stating only a small number of workers were affected due to operational sabotage and safety concerns.
The union’s threat to halt crude and gas supply gained traction when it reportedly directed its members across regulatory and supply chains — including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) — to cease services to the refinery.
The court’s temporary order effectively stalls any such industrial action, emphasizing the need to maintain industrial peace while legal proceedings continue. Justice Subilim ruled that the applicant’s business is essential to the Nigerian economy and that allowing the planned strike to proceed could lead to severe disruptions in energy supply and public services.
The matter is now set for further hearing on October 13, 2025, when the court will deliberate on the substantive issues raised in the motion.
