Authorities in Nigeria have called on all stakeholders involved in the ongoing labour conflict between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to remain patient and pursue meaningful negotiations, stressing that the nation’s collective interests must come first.
During the opening session of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit held in Abuja on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the necessity of prioritizing national goals over individual or factional agendas. He stated, “It is unacceptable for a minor labour disagreement to stall the country’s advancement.”
Shettima pointed out that the refinery’s establishment was financed through a combination of equity, loans, and investments from both local and international sources. He stressed, “For the refinery to meet its financial obligations, it must operate at full throttle. It is unjustifiable to jeopardize the nation’s progress over disputes that can be settled through dialogue.”
The vice president’s remarks follow last month’s turmoil when the world’s largest single-train refinery, located in Lagos, dismissed around 800 Nigerian workers accused of sabotage, which raised serious safety alarms within the plant.
The strike that ensued, concluding last Wednesday, reportedly led to a daily deficit of 200,000 barrels of oil and billions of naira in lost income, according to the state-owned NNPC Limited.
Shettima reassured that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the oil and gas industry and promoting industrial harmony for the country’s progress.
The vice president also lauded Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest businessman and owner of the refinery, for his bold choice to invest heavily within Nigeria rather than seeking more lucrative opportunities abroad.
“Aliko Dangote is more than a business tycoon; he symbolizes Nigeria’s economic promise. Backing his ventures sends a strong message to global investors about the country’s immense potential,” Shettima remarked.
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He added that if Dangote had invested $10 billion in global technology giants like Microsoft or Amazon, his wealth might have escalated to $70 or $80 billion. Instead, he chose to dedicate his resources to Nigeria’s growth.
“It is incumbent upon all of us to safeguard, cultivate, and advance the interests of this great nation to ensure prosperity for future generations,” the vice president concluded.