By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an injunction preventing the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and related entities from halting crude and gas supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE. The ruling comes amid rising tensions over the alleged dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers at the refinery.
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim granted the ex-parte application filed by Dangote Refinery, restraining PENGASSAN, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) from participating in any industrial action aimed at disrupting refinery operations.
The labor dispute began after Dangote Refinery dismissed a large number of Nigerian workers, citing safety concerns and alleged sabotage incidents. In retaliation, PENGASSAN accused the refinery of anti-labor practices, claiming that union members were targeted and that the dismissals violated Nigerian labor laws. The union subsequently threatened to halt gas and crude supply to the refinery and instructed International Oil Companies (IOCs) to comply with the withdrawal.
“This action is aimed at protecting the rights of our members and ensuring that labor laws are respected,” a PENGASSAN official had stated earlier. However, Dangote Refinery argued that the planned strike and supply disruption posed a serious threat to national energy security.
The injunction effectively prevents the planned strike and ensures the refinery continues operations without disruption. Dangote Refinery, with a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is critical to Nigeria’s fuel supply and the stability of its energy sector. Analysts note that any prolonged disruption could have far-reaching economic consequences, including fuel shortages and revenue losses.
The court has scheduled a full hearing for October 13, 2025, where both Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN will present their cases. The judiciary will determine the next course of action, balancing workers’ rights with the need to maintain national economic stability.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s pivotal role in resolving industrial disputes in Nigeria. Labor observers believe that while unions have the right to advocate for workers, industrial action that threatens critical national infrastructure will be carefully scrutinized by the courts.
As negotiations continue, stakeholders hope for a resolution that protects workers’ rights, ensures compliance with labor laws, and maintains stable energy supply to support the Nigerian economy.
