The National Industrial Court in Abuja has restrained the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) from carrying out its planned industrial action against the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, ruling on an ex parte application on Monday, barred the defendants from halting the supply of crude oil and gas to the multi-billion-dollar refinery.
The suit, filed by the refinery through its counsel, George Ibrahim, also listed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission as defendants.
Ibrahim told the court that the refinery, built at a cost of over $20 billion, plays a critical role in addressing Nigeria’s energy needs and cannot afford disruptions. He argued that PENGASSAN’s threat to withdraw crude supply and obstruct refinery operations would plunge the country back into severe energy shortages.
The refinery had recently disengaged some staff following what it described as acts of sabotage and safety concerns, sparking allegations from PENGASSAN that over 800 workers were victimised for unionising. The management denied the claims, insisting the exercise was not anti-labour.
Justice Subilim held that the balance of convenience favoured the refinery and granted an interim order restraining PENGASSAN, its members, and affiliates from halting crude and gas supply or embarking on any industrial action pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The order, which subsists for seven days, is to be served on all defendants, while the case has been adjourned to October 13, 2025 for hearing of the motion on notice.
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