By Kunle Sanni –
The National Industrial Court has issued an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) from disrupting the operations of Dangote Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Limited.
According to a report by TheCable, the order, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Subilim on Wednesday, also barred the union and affiliated drivers’ associations from blocking roads, embarking on industrial action, or compelling other truck drivers to join any strike.
The ruling followed an ex parte motion filed by counsel to Dangote Refinery, George Ibrahim, who argued that NUPENG’s actions could cause “irreparable damage” to the refinery’s operations if urgent relief was not granted.
In support of the motion, Ahmed Hashem, Group General Manager for Government and Strategic Relations at the refinery, deposed that the company would be willing to pay damages if the injunction were later overturned.
After reviewing the application, Justice Subilim ruled that the refinery had raised a “serious issue to be tried” and that the balance of convenience favored granting the restraining orders. He emphasized that the injunction would remain in force for seven days, pending further hearing.
The judge also directed Dangote Refinery to serve NUPENG with the motion on notice and all accompanying documents within seven days. He ordered that the case be reassigned to another judge after September 23, when the court’s vacation authority expires.
The dispute arises amid escalating tensions between NUPENG and oil sector operators. On September 11, the union placed its members on red alert for a nationwide strike, accusing Dangote Refinery of “anti-union practices.”
The protest was reportedly triggered after Sayyu Dantata, owner of MRS Oil, allegedly instructed truck drivers to remove NUPENG stickers from their vehicles, sparking a confrontation with union officials.