Vice President Kashim Shettima has cautioned both the Dangote Refinery management and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to resolve their differences peacefully, stressing that Nigeria’s economy cannot be jeopardized by a single industrial dispute.
Speaking at the opening of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the need for dialogue and national interest, describing the ongoing tension as avoidable.
“It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom because of a minor labour dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN, and greater than each and every one of us,” he said.
The vice president noted that the refinery — financed through equity, debt, and international loans — represents a critical lifeline for the nation’s industrial and energy sectors. “The refinery must function to safeguard the huge investments tied to it,” he added, calling for mutual understanding and responsibility.
The conflict began last month when the Dangote Refinery dismissed about 800 Nigerian workers over alleged acts of sabotage, prompting a strike by PENGASSAN. The shutdown reportedly cost Nigeria over 200,000 barrels of crude daily and billions of naira in lost revenue before it was called off last week.
Shettima reiterated the government’s resolve to maintain stability in the oil and gas sector, highlighting that industrial harmony is vital to national growth.
He also commended Aliko Dangote, describing him as more than a businessman — “an institution and a leading light in Nigeria’s economic space.” Shettima argued that Dangote’s decision to invest over $10 billion in Nigeria, rather than in global tech giants like Microsoft or Amazon, demonstrates rare patriotism that must be protected.
“We owe it to future generations to protect and promote the interests of this nation,” he concluded, urging stakeholders to prioritize peace, productivity, and progress.
