The National Industrial Court has issued an interim injunction barring the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers from blocking roads or disrupting the operations of Dangote Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Limited, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Limited.

The order also prohibits NUPENG and allied drivers’ associations from embarking on industrial action or coercing other truck drivers to participate in such actions.

Justice Emmanuel Subilim delivered the ruling on Wednesday after hearing an ex parte motion filed by George Ibrahim, counsel to Dangote Refinery.

In granting the request, the judge held that “irreparable damage” could be done to the refinery if the orders were not issued.

Ibrahim had filed the ex parte motion along with the originating processes and a motion on notice, both dated and submitted on September 15.

The lawyer urged the court to compel NUPENG and its members to maintain petroleum trucking services to Dangote Refinery, MRS, and the Nigerian public until the motion on notice is determined.

In an affidavit sworn by Ahmed Hashem, General Manager, Government and Strategic Relations at Dangote Refinery, the applicants pledged to provide damages should the court eventually rule against the restraining request.

After considering the submissions, Justice Subilim held that the court was satisfied there was a serious issue to be tried, that the balance of convenience favored Dangote Refinery, that irreparable harm could result if the orders were not granted, and that the applicants had given an undertaking as to damages.

He therefore ruled that NUPENG should be restrained and granted the interim injunction sought by the refinery.

The judge further stated that the restraining orders would remain in force for seven days.

He further directed the applicants to serve the respondents with the motion on notice and all accompanying processes within seven days of the order.

Justice Subilim also pointed out that the court’s vacation jurisdiction would lapse on September 23.

Accordingly, he ordered that the case file be transmitted to the President of the National Industrial Court for reassignment to another judge to hear and determine the motion on notice alongside the substantive suit.

On September 11, NUPENG declared a red alert for its members, signaling readiness to resume a nationwide strike—just two days after suspending its earlier action over alleged “anti-union practices” at Dangote Refinery.