September 18, (THEWILL) — The National Industrial Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from embarking on industrial action or compelling other truck drivers to join their planned protest.
Ruling on a motion ex parte filed by counsel to Dangote Industries, George Ibrahim, Justice Subilim on Wednesday also barred the unions from blocking roads, frustrating activities, or shutting down operations of Dangote Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Ltd.
Ibrahim had urged the court to stop the unions, their members, agents, and representatives from taking any action that could cripple refinery operations.
He also 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.
In a supporting affidavit, the lawyer argued that the unions’ threats contravened Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, and Section 12(4) of the Trade Union Act.
Justice Subilim, in his ruling, held that failing to grant the application could cause irreparable damage to the operations of the Dangote Refinery.
The restraining order remains in force pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, scheduled for September 23.
The judge also ordered that the case file be remitted to the President of the National Industrial Court for reassignment to another judge to hear the substantive matter.
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