In a decisive move aimed at protecting Nigeria’s oil supply chain, the National Industrial Court in Abuja has barred the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct
Trucking Company Drivers Association from disrupting operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery—Africa’s largest private oil-processing facility.
Justice E.D. Subilim issued the seven-day interim injunction after Dangote Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Limited, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Limited warned that a threatened industrial action could cripple production, jeopardize downstream distribution, and destabilize fuel pricing.
The plaintiffs argued—via senior advocate George Ibrahim, SAN—that any strike would harm investors, the domestic market, and ongoing government efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.
Analysts say the refinery, with a nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is critical to reducing Nigeria’s $10 billion annual fuel import bill. “Even temporary disruptions at Dangote Refinery would rattle the market,” said an independent energy economist.
The suit, NICN/ABJ/279/2024, will be reassigned to another judge after the vacation period, signaling that negotiations between labor groups and the refinery operators could shape Nigeria’s downstream outlook ahead of 2027 elections.