According to a report by The Sun Newspaper on Monday, 29 September 2025, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has enlisted renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) to defend against a high-stakes lawsuit filed by Dangote Refinery and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc. The legal battle, which seeks to halt an impending strike over unpaid depot loading fees, underscores escalating tensions in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector amid soaring operational costs.
The suit, lodged at the National Industrial Court in Lagos, accuses NUPENG of planning an unlawful strike that could cripple fuel distribution nationwide. Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train facility, and MRS Oil, a leading marketer, argue that the union’s demands for fee adjustments violate existing agreements and threaten economic stability. They are requesting an interim injunction to restrain NUPENG from disrupting operations at depots and refineries.
NUPENG’s decision to hire Falana, a vocal advocate for workers’ rights, signals a robust counteroffensive. In a statement, the union’s General Secretary, Adegoke Ola, affirmed: “We stand firm on our resolve to protect our members’ welfare. The fees have remained stagnant for years despite inflation and rising logistics costs. Falana’s expertise will ensure justice prevails.” Falana, known for landmark cases against corporate giants, has vowed to challenge the suit’s merits, labeling it an attempt to suppress legitimate labor demands.
The dispute stems from NUPENG’s nationwide protest in August, where workers decried the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency’s (PPPRA) failure to review depot loading fees since 2018. With fuel prices volatile and subsidies phased out, unions claim the fees—pegged at outdated rates—erode members’ earnings, fueling calls for a 300% hike. Industry stakeholders warn that a strike could exacerbate fuel scarcity, reminiscent of the 2023 shortages that paralyzed transport and commerce.
Dangote Refinery, which began operations in January, has invested $20 billion to boost local refining capacity, while MRS Oil boasts a vast network of over 400 retail outlets. Both firms emphasized dialogue in their filings, with Dangote’s spokesperson stating: “We value our workforce but cannot endorse actions that undermine national productivity.”
As hearings commence next week, analysts predict a protracted legal tussle that could reshape labor relations in the oil sector. NUPENG represents over 30,000 workers across depots, refineries, and transport firms, making its mobilization pivotal. Falana’s involvement adds gravitas, potentially drawing public scrutiny to the unions’ plight. For Nigeria’s economy, already strained by naira depreciation and global oil fluctuations, resolution is urgent. A prolonged standoff risks inflating pump prices and halting the flow of the nation’s lifeblood—petroleum products.Continue, Full, Reading>>>>
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