The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its Petroleum Truck Drivers affiliate from blocking roads or shutting down Dangote Refinery.
Justice E.D. Subilim granted the ex parte order on Wednesday after counsel to Dangote Refinery, George Ibrahim, SAN, filed the application along with originating processes and a motion on notice, all dated September 15, 2025.
The judge ruled:
“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.”
The order will remain in force for seven days.
The ruling comes after weeks of tension between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery, with the union accusing the oil giant of anti-labour practices and attempts to stifle competition—allegations Aliko Dangote has dismissed.
Earlier this month, fuel distribution was paralysed nationwide when NUPENG staged a strike before federal government intervention. Following a breakdown in talks, the union had threatened another round of industrial action.
