Abuja, Nigeria — The National Industrial Court in Abuja yesterday restrained the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) from initiating a planned industrial action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.
The court ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Subilim, came amid ongoing reconciliation meetings convened by the Federal Government to address contentious issues between the parties. Reports indicate that discussions were still underway at press time, with no resolution reached.
The restraining order followed an ex-parte application filed by Dangote Refinery through a legal team led by Mr. Ogwu Onoja, SAN. Other defendants in the matter included the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum (NDMP), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The court specifically barred the defendants from cutting crude and gas supply to Dangote Refinery, emphasizing the potential risks to Nigeria’s energy supply and economy if the industrial action were allowed to proceed.
Court Order Details
Dangote Refinery, through its lawyers, applied for an interim injunction restraining PENGASSAN, its members, agents, and affiliates from halting crude and gas supply, obstructing roads, shutting down operations, or frustrating its business activities pending the full hearing.
Similarly, the court restrained the 2nd to 4th defendants, including their employees and licensees, from giving effect to any directives issued by PENGASSAN or participating in the planned industrial action.
The refinery argued that it provides essential services to the Nigerian public and that any disruption could lead to severe economic consequences. It also highlighted recent sabotage incidents at the plant that posed health and safety concerns, prompting management to reorganize and relieve a small number of staff.
Allegations of Union-Driven Sabotage
Dangote Refinery told the court that misinformation circulated online suggesting layoffs were due to union membership. The company clarified that these claims were false, asserting that only a negligible number of staff were affected by reorganization measures related to sabotage concerns.
According to the application, PENGASSAN, through its General Secretary, Lamumba Okugbawa, issued a directive to the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas, threatening industrial action unless over 800 affected employees were reinstated.
The claimant warned that such action could cripple its operations, potentially plunging the country into energy scarcity, given the refinery’s $20 billion investment and critical role in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Court Ruling
Justice Subilim held that the balance of convenience favored Dangote Refinery. Allowing the strike to continue could irreparably damage the business and disrupt essential services. The judge emphasized that restraining the industrial action was necessary to preserve industrial peace and protect public interest.
The court ordered the service of the restraining order and adjourned the substantive case until October 13, 2025. The interim order was set to last seven days.
Union Reaction and Escalation
Despite the ruling, PENGASSAN maintained that it had not been formally served with the court order. The union instructed members to disregard online rumours and continue their strike until official communication was received.
“Court orders or processes are served via court bailiff and not through social media,” Okugbawa said, urging members to adhere only to official union channels.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for nationwide strike mobilisation against the Dangote Group. In an internal memo, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero criticised the company’s “deliberate anti-worker crusade,” citing systemic anti-labour policies and violations of labour laws.
The memo directed affiliate unions to organise workers in all Dangote facilities, set up action mobilisation committees, and coordinate strategy within 72 hours. The NLC warned that the period for “pleading and fruitless dialogue” with the conglomerate was over, signalling potential escalation.
Impact on Oil and Gas Sector
The strike has already affected major gas companies, including NNPCL and TotalEnergies. Electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) could also experience disruptions if the situation continues. On the ground, PENGASSAN members had barricaded the NNPCL Towers, NMDPRA, and NUPRC headquarters, singing solidarity songs and blocking entrances.
The union reported that the number of affected workers had risen to 997, while its compliance level among members was described as “very high and encouraging.”
Economic Implications
Analysts warn that prolonged industrial action could severely impact Nigeria’s energy supply, potentially affecting fuel distribution, electricity generation, and broader economic activities. CERON, a consumer advocacy group, previously stated that poor Nigerians would bear the brunt of disputes between Dangote and PENGASSAN.
The clash highlights ongoing tensions between labour unions and multinational companies in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly regarding workers’ rights, union representation, and operational safety.
Government Intervention
The Federal Government’s mediation efforts are ongoing, with reconciliation meetings continuing as both parties seek common ground. Legal and labour experts have called for swift resolution to avoid disruption of essential services and potential economic fallout.
Conclusion
While the National Industrial Court has temporarily restrained PENGASSAN from halting operations at Dangote Refinery, the union and NLC continue to push for action. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether dialogue prevails or if industrial unrest escalates nationwide.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
