Dangote Scores Legal Victory, Court Stops Union Strike

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has temporarily barred the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) from blocking roads or shutting down operations at Dangote Refinery.

Justice E.D. Subilim issued the interim order on Wednesday following an ex-parte application filed by the refinery’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN). The motion, along with the originating processes, was dated September 15, 2025.

In his ruling, Justice Subilim said:

“An interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the 2nd Defendant/Respondent, its members, agents, servants, privies, representatives, assigns, or whatsoever and howsoever called from joining, continuing, further embarking on, or in any manner participating in the planned industrial action declared by the Defendant/Respondent or any other strike whatsoever against the Claimants/Applicants with a view to frustrating their businesses and operations pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”

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The injunction, which takes effect immediately, is to last for seven days pending further hearing.

The ruling comes after weeks of escalating tensions between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery. The union, alongside the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), had accused the refinery of anti-labour practices and attempts to stifle competition.

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Earlier this month, on September 8, NUPENG and its affiliates disrupted fuel distribution nationwide before government intervention restored operations. Following a breakdown in negotiations, the union threatened to resume strike action.

Dangote, however, has repeatedly dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the refinery operates within fair labour and competitive practices.