The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has vowed to continue its nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery, despite a restraining order from the National Industrial Court in Abuja.
In a memo signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union dismissed reports that a valid injunction had been served. “Court orders or processes are served via court bailiff and not through social media,” the statement read.
Okugbawa further directed members to continue with the industrial action until further notice, stressing that only official union communication should be trusted. He praised the resolve of members, stating, “We have just begun, and victory is in sight.”
Court Interventions Between Dangote Refinery And PENGASSAN
Earlier on Monday, Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court granted a seven-day interim injunction restraining PENGASSAN from proceeding with the strike. The order followed an ex parte application filed by Dangote Refinery and argued by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, George Ibrahim.
Ibrahim told the court that Dangote Refinery provides essential services critical to Nigeria’s economy and welfare. He explained that a recent restructuring, which affected a small number of staff, was necessary after acts of sabotage raised serious safety concerns.
Justice Subilim ruled that allowing the strike to proceed could cripple operations and damage the country’s energy supply. The motion on notice has been scheduled for hearing on October 13, even as protests and picketing spread across Abuja.
PENGASSAN’s Accusations Against Dangote Refinery
While the legal battle plays out, union members have intensified protests. On Monday, PENGASSAN members barricaded the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) headquarters, as well as offices of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the workers accused Dangote Refinery of violating labour rights by dismissing over 800 Nigerian workers and replacing them with “over 2,000 Indians.”
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) backed PENGASSAN, with Secretary General Nuhu Toro demanding reinstatement of the affected workers and a public apology. “We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers. No corporation will be allowed to trample on workers’ rights,” he declared, warning of a broader strike should the situation persist.
Dangote Refinery’s Position
Dangote Refinery has strongly rejected the union’s claims. Management insists that the restructuring was limited, affecting only a small number of employees, and was driven purely by safety and operational needs.
The company described the strike directive to cut crude and gas supplies as “criminal conduct” and “economic sabotage,” warning that such actions could destabilise national fuel distribution and erode government revenue.
Dangote Refinery, commissioned in May 2023, urged the Federal Government to intervene, stressing that prolonged disruption could harm both the refinery’s operations and the wider energy sector.
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