Abuja, FCT – A coalition of civil society organisations has applauded the National Industrial Court’s ruling stopping the planned strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the Dangote Refinery.
The Coalition for the Defence of Economic Rights (CODER) described the interim order issued on Monday as a “victory for the rule of law and economic stability.”
In a statement after an emergency meeting, CODER President, Babajide Oresanya, urged all stakeholders to respect the court’s decision and allow the judicial process to take its course.
“We hail the ruling of Justice Emmanuel Sublim to halt the strike and safeguard the integrity of our economy,” Oresanya said.
Planned Strike Could Cripple Key Infrastructure
Oresanya warned that the union’s proposed industrial action, which sought to disrupt crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery, could have inflicted “incalculable damage” on Nigerians’ livelihoods.
“The refinery is not just a private enterprise; it is a strategic national asset with implications for energy security, job creation, and economic growth. Holding it hostage for union politics is unacceptable,” he added.
Dialogue Over Disruption
CODER called on PENGASSAN to embrace dialogue instead of confrontation, praising the federal government for stepping in through talks with the union, the NNPC Limited, and petroleum regulators.
“The court has spoken. Any attempt to flout this order would amount to contempt and could worsen the crisis. Nigerians are watching. What we need now is stability, not conflict,” Oresanya stressed.
The group also cautioned that unverified allegations against the refinery could derail Nigeria’s push for energy sufficiency.
“Independent findings show that the Dangote Refinery has created jobs and boosted local capacity. Rather than peddle unsubstantiated claims, the union should support this national asset to deliver optimally and reduce reliance on imports,” CODER noted.
Court Order and Next Steps
The National Industrial Court had earlier granted an interim order in favour of the Dangote Refinery, ruling that a strike would cause “irreparable harm” to the economy. Justice Sublim directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the substantive hearing on October 13, 2025.
Political Reaction: Peter Obi Weighs In
Earlier, Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi urged the federal government to intervene swiftly in the dispute, warning that the standoff was already having an “adverse effect” on Nigerians and the economy.
PENGASSAN had directed its members nationwide to shut down operations, accusing the Dangote Refinery of sacking 500 Nigerian workers and replacing them with expatriates.
Obi, in a post on social media, appealed for dialogue between the union and the refinery, stressing the importance of protecting jobs while safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.
