(DDM) – Vice President Kashim Shettima has cautioned the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against actions that could undermine the operations of the Dangote Refinery, insisting that billionaire Aliko Dangote’s investments represent strategic national assets that must be protected.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Shettima made the remarks following the recent industrial dispute involving the Dangote Group and PENGASSAN, which accused the company of unlawfully dismissing about 800 unionized employees.
The strike, which threatened to disrupt ongoing operations at Africa’s largest refinery, was called off after the intervention of the Minister of Labour and Employment and the National Security Adviser.
Speaking in Abuja, the Vice President described Aliko Dangote as “an institution and a symbol of faith in Nigeria’s economy,” adding that his refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, remains central to Nigeria’s industrial growth and energy independence.
According to Shettima, Dangote’s decision to invest domestically instead of taking his capital abroad demonstrates a level of patriotism that should be celebrated, not sabotaged.
“Dangote’s investments are national treasures that must be protected by all Nigerians,” Shettima said.
“We must not allow short-term industrial disputes or selfish interests to compromise the long-term vision of national development.”
He emphasized that the refinery represents more than just a business venture, it is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in petroleum refining and a catalyst for job creation across the value chain.
The Vice President urged labour unions to act with restraint and patriotism when dealing with disputes involving critical industries, warning that rash decisions could destabilize sectors vital to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
He reminded labour leaders that industrial peace remains essential to attracting further investment into the country’s oil and gas sector, particularly at a time when the government is working to stabilize fuel supply and reduce import dependency.
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos, officially began operations earlier this year and is projected to meet 100% of Nigeria’s refined petroleum needs, with additional capacity for exports across Africa.
Shettima’s intervention follows growing public debate about the refinery’s role in Nigeria’s energy future amid concerns over rising petrol prices and supply disruptions caused by recent labour unrest.
Economic analysts told DDM that the Vice President’s remarks reflect the administration’s strategy to balance workers’ rights with the need to maintain investor confidence, particularly in high-stakes sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
By calling for restraint, Shettima is sending a message to labour unions and investors alike, that Nigeria’s industrial transformation requires both stability and collaboration.
“Protecting investments like the Dangote Refinery,” he said, “is protecting Nigeria’s future.”
The Vice President’s statement has since drawn mixed reactions from industry observers.
While some praised his defence of local investment, others argued that protecting workers’ rights is equally vital to sustaining long-term productivity.
Nonetheless, the federal government’s tone signals a broader policy shift toward shielding key investors from operational disruptions while strengthening dialogue between the private sector and labour unions.
As Nigeria continues to navigate fuel scarcity, inflation, and unemployment, the Dangote Refinery remains a symbol of hope, and, as Shettima insists, a national project that must not be allowed to fail.