Dangote Refinery Wins Court Battle Against Union Drivers in Abuja

Dangote’s Refinery Won court case against union drivers 

Background of the news

The Dangote Refinery has secured a major legal victory after the National Industrial Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction restraining two major unions from disrupting its operations.

The court ruling came following a motion filed by Dangote Industries Limited against the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association.

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Justice Nelson Ogbuanya granted the injunction, stopping the unions from embarking on industrial action, blocking access routes, or interfering with the distribution of petroleum products from the refinery. The order also compels the drivers to continue petroleum trucking services to ensure smooth operations pending the hearing of the substantive case.

The injunction, which is valid for seven days in the first instance, was granted after Dangote’s legal counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), argued that any disruption could cause “severe and permanent damage” to the refinery and its partners, including MRS Oil Nigeria Plc and MRS Oil and Gas Company Ltd.

Background of the Dispute

The case follows rising tensions between Dangote Refinery and union drivers. NUPENG had accused the refinery of preventing its members from joining recognized unions and allegedly ordering drivers to remove union stickers from their trucks. The union also claimed that Dangote officials, with the support of the navy, intimidated workers.

What It Means

This interim ruling is a temporary relief for Africa’s largest refinery as it battles to maintain stability in its operations. However, the main case is yet to be heard, and the outcome will determine the balance between protecting business operations and safeguarding workers’ rights to unionize and strike.

For now, the decision ensures uninterrupted fuel distribution from the refinery, a move that could help stabilize Nigeria’s energy supply chain amid growing economic concerns.

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