The Federal Government on Monday criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for what it described as holding the nation to ransom over a “minor labour dispute” that could have been peacefully resolved.
Thank you for visiting The Vestigator, don't forget to share!
Speaking at the opening of the 31st Nigeria Economic Summit (NESG) in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized that the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery is a national asset that must be protected and supported for the sake of future generations.
He noted that the refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, represents a vital pillar in Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts and should not be undermined by avoidable industrial conflicts.
“Aliko Dangote is not just an individual — he is an institution and a beacon of Nigeria’s economic rebirth,” Shettima said. “If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft or Amazon, he might be worth $70–80 billion today. Instead, he chose to invest in his own country. We owe it to our children and to our nation to protect and preserve that legacy.”
The Vice President appealed for patriotism and restraint from both labour unions and the private sector, urging them to resolve issues through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“It’s not about holding the whole nation hostage over a minor labour disagreement,” he warned. “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN, and greater than any individual interest.”
In a related development, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) called on the Federal Government to establish a policy framework that prevents unlawful shutdowns of businesses in the country.
CPPE Chief Executive, Dr. Muda Yusuf, stressed that protecting investors is a national economic necessity, not a privilege.
“Investors create jobs, mobilize capital, and generate tax revenues that sustain government and society,” Yusuf said. “Nigeria must institutionalize a fair and predictable business environment that safeguards investment without undermining workers’ rights.”
Meanwhile, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention, which helped avert what it called “disruptive actions” by PENGASSAN.
In a statement, the company commended the President’s leadership and praised the coordinated efforts of key officials — including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Toyin Ajayi, and the Director-General of the NIA, Mohammed Mohammed — for restoring calm and stability in the energy sector.
Dangote Refinery also thanked the Ministers of Labour, Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and other senior officials who worked “tirelessly” to de-escalate tensions and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.
“We remain grateful for their patriotism and dedication,” the company stated, extending its appreciation to Nigerians for their overwhelming support throughout the crisis.
