Dangote Refinery: Nigeria greater than PENGASSAN — VP Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for restraint amid the ongoing rift between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery, stressing that Nigeria’s national interest must come first.
Speaking on Monday during the opening session of the Nigerian Economic Summit 2025 in Abuja, Shettima underscored the strategic importance of the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, describing it as a national asset that must be supported to thrive.
PulseNets obtained remarks from the Vice President in which he emphasised that the $20 billion facility represents a monumental investment in Nigeria’s industrial future and therefore deserves collective protection and encouragement.
“Aliko Dangote is not just an individual; he’s an institution — a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament,” Shettima stated.
“How we treat this gentleman will determine how global investors perceive us. If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he might be worth $70 to $80 billion today — but he chose Nigeria, and we owe it to our future generations to protect and promote that decision.”
PulseNets reported that the Vice President urged both labour unions and the organised private sector to adopt a spirit of patriotism and reflection in resolving industrial disagreements, warning against actions capable of undermining national progress.
“I appeal for caution, retrospection, and a deeper sense of patriotism from both labour and industry. Our economic trajectory is improving, and we must not hold the entire nation to ransom over a minor industrial dispute,” he said.
In a tone that reflected his unwavering commitment to national unity, Shettima reiterated:
“Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us. I am not speaking to you as a partisan — I am speaking as a patriot who believes in this country’s potential.”
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PulseNets learnt that the Vice President’s comments came amid escalating tensions between PENGASSAN and the management of the Dangote Refinery over labour-related disagreements. His remarks, analysts say, signal the Federal Government’s firm position on safeguarding strategic national investments while fostering industrial harmony.
