- A court ruling against the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) strike safeguards Dangote Refinery operations.
- The court order prevents crude and gas supply disruption, protecting Nigeria’s economy.
Dangote Refinery has gained relief after the National Industrial Court in Abuja ruled against a planned strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). On Monday, Justice Emmanuel Sublim issued an interim order stopping the union from cutting crude and gas supply. He stressed that such action could destabilise Nigeria’s fragile economy.
The ruling also restrained 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 enforcing directives that could choke refinery supply lines. The case will continue on October 13.
Despite union threats, the Dangote Refinery assured Nigerians of a steady supply of petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel, and cooking gas. The company insisted its restructuring was aimed at preventing sabotage, not targeting Nigerian workers.
Reports suggested that PENGASSAN members and hired groups planned to damage critical refinery units, particularly those producing petrol. The union also directed oil majors to shut down crude supply valves and halt vessel loading for the refinery.
Dangote described these orders as sabotage against Nigeria. It confirmed that over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed, with only a few roles affected by recent changes. The company also urged security agencies to increase protection as attempts to cripple operations were ongoing.
The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is vital to reducing Nigeria’s fuel imports. By continuing operations, the facility strengthens domestic refining, lowers foreign exchange pressure, and boosts energy security.
Meanwhile, NUPRC Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe called for dialogue between PENGASSAN and Dangote. He emphasised the need for peaceful solutions and warned that further disruption could harm the energy supply nationwide.
Although the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) asked affiliates to prepare for action, the court order ensures refinery operations continue for now. The resolution of this dispute will determine Nigeria’s ability to rely on local refining for long-term stability.