The National Industrial Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from embarking on industrial action or compelling other truck drivers to join them.
In a ruling on Wednesday on a motion ex parte filed by counsel to Dangote, George Ibrahim, Justice Subilim also restrained the unions from blocking Nigerian roads, frustrating, or shutting down the operations of Dangote Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Ltd.
Ibrahim approached the court and sought orders restraining NUPENG and the drivers’ association, their members, agents, and representatives from engaging in industrial action aimed at crippling refinery operations.
He further asked the court to compel the drivers to continue petroleum trucking services to the refinery, MRS, and the Nigerian public pending the determination of the motion on notice.
He argued that the unions’ actions contravened Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, and Section 12(4) of the Trade Union Act.
The judge however held that irreparable damage could be caused to the Dangote Refinery if the orders were not granted. The restraining orders, which will last seven days, are to subsist pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.
He added that since the court’s vacation jurisdiction lapses on September 23, the case file should be remitted to the President of the National Industrial Court for reassignment to another judge who will hear the substantive matter.
