Vice President Kashim Shettima has cautioned
the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria
(PENGASSAN) against actions that could disrupt operations at the Dangote
Petroleum Refinery, describing the $10 billion facility as a strategic
national asset vital to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES)
in Abuja, Shettima — who represented President Bola Tinubu — said the
government views the refinery as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial and
energy future.
“Aliko Dangote is not an individual, he is an
institution. How we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders judge
us,” Shettima said.
He commended Dangote’s decision to invest
locally rather than abroad, noting that his commitment to Nigeria’s economy
demonstrates faith in the country’s future.
“If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft or
Amazon, he might be worth $80 billion today. But he chose to invest in his
country, and we owe it to future generations to protect and promote his
interests,” he added.
‘Nigeria Is Greater Than Any Union’
The Vice President urged labour unions and the private
sector to show restraint and patriotism in their engagements, stressing that
industrial harmony is key to investor confidence and national stability.
“It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom
because of a minor labour dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria
is greater than each and every one of us,” he said.
Shettima disclosed that President Tinubu had directed
the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to take a deeper role in
mediating the dispute between PENGASSAN and the refinery, saying the government
expects “far-reaching recommendations” from the summit to ensure the facility
operates smoothly.
“This is a refinery financed through equity, debt, and
local and foreign loans. It must function to recover its obligations, and
disputes should be settled amicably,” he noted.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to
safeguarding major investments, maintaining industrial peace, and promoting
Nigeria as a secure destination for global business.
Background
PENGASSAN last week suspended its nationwide strike
against the Dangote Petroleum Refinery after Federal Government
intervention. The union, however, warned that it could resume the action
without notice if pending agreements are not fulfilled.
The refinery, commissioned in 2023, has a
production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and remains central to
Nigeria’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products.
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