The Abuja division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has has ordered the Petroleum And Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to suspend the ongoing strike pending the hearing and determination of the Motions filed by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited in the overall interest of the country.

Justice Olufunke Anuwe who presided over the court made the order, while granting an Motion Exparte filed by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited.

Justice Anuwe after ordering the PENGASSAN to in the interim stop the strike, granted an accelerated hearing of the matter, as well ordered that the order of the Court, the originating processes and the Motion on Notice be immediately served on the Petroleum Union, while adjourned the matter to May 5, 2023, for a definite hearing.

Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited through its Counsel, Inam Wilson (SAN) had filed a Motion Ex-parte dated April 19, 2023 and sought for an interim order compelling and directing PENGASSAN and its members who are employees of the Applicant to forthwith cease, desist, terminate, or suspend the strike, or industrial action embarked upon by the Respondent in compliance with Section 17(1)(c) of the Trade Disputes Act Cap. T18 LFN 2004, pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion.

The applicant also asked for an interim order restraining the respondent, by themselves or through their member, agents, servants, privies, affiliates, or associates, or through any other person(s), howsoever described, from unlawfully embarking on or continuing with any strike or industrial action in any manner whatsoever or howsoever described against the Applicant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed April 20, 2023.

Delivering the ruling after careful perusal of the deposition contained in the supporting affidavit, exhibits and written address, the Presiding Judge, Justice Anuwe found the said application meritorious.