By Abbas Nazil
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for restraint and reflection amid the ongoing industrial dispute between the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the need for patriotism and dialogue between organized labor and the private sector to safeguard national interests.
The summit, themed “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s economic future.
Shettima described business magnate Aliko Dangote as “an institution” whose investments must be protected to ensure sustainable development and industrial harmony.
He urged both sides to demonstrate responsibility in resolving their differences, stressing that “we owe it to future generations to jealously protect, promote, and preserve this investment.”
The VP warned against actions by trade unions that could destabilize the economy, noting that “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN and every one of us here.”
He reminded stakeholders that the refinery was financed through a mix of equity and loans from both local and foreign banks, and must remain operational to meet its financial obligations.
The Federal Government recently intervened to mediate the conflict after PENGASSAN ordered its members to halt gas supply and withdraw services from the refinery over the termination of more than 800 workers.
Dangote Refinery defended its decision, stating that the affected employees were disengaged as part of an ongoing restructuring process aimed at improving efficiency.
Shettima reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering peaceful industrial relations, ensuring that both workers’ rights and investors’ confidence are preserved in the broader interest of national progress.
