Shettima Urges PENGASSAN to Handle Dangote Refinery Dispute with Caution
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to exercise caution in its dealings with the Dangote Refinery, stressing that the union’s actions could shape how foreign investors perceive Nigeria’s business environment.
Shettima’s remarks come in the wake of an industrial dispute between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Group, following the reported sack of 800 Nigerian workers at the refinery and their alleged replacement with Indian expatriates. The union had demanded that the company allow its members to unionize, a call the Dangote Group resisted — leading to strike actions last week.
Speaking during the opening of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31) in Abuja on Monday, Shettima described Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, as “not just an individual but an institution,” urging Nigerians to safeguard his multi-billion-dollar investment as a national economic asset.
“Aliko Dangote is not an individual. He is a leading light in Nigeria’s economic firmament, and how we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us,” Shettima said.
The Vice President further noted that Dangote’s decision to invest locally, despite opportunities abroad, reflects his commitment to Nigeria’s growth.
“If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he would probably be worth $78 billion today. But he chose to invest in this country, and we owe it to future generations to promote, protect, preserve, and project the interest of this great Nigerian,” he added.
Shettima’s comments highlight the federal government’s concern over investor confidence amid ongoing industrial tensions surrounding one of Nigeria’s most strategic economic projects.
