The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, describing it as a national asset that must be protected and sustained for the country’s economic growth.
This position was strongly expressed on Monday by Vice President Kashim Shettima and further emphasised by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, during the opening session of the Nigerian Economic Summit 2025 held in Abuja.
Speaking in the aftermath of the recent industrial action by members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Vice President Shettima stressed that national interest must come first. He underscored that the refinery, a $20 billion investment, represents a critical pillar in Nigeria’s industrial and economic advancement.
According to Shettima, billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote deserves recognition for his patriotic decision to invest massively in Nigeria rather than abroad.
He said, “Aliko Dangote is not just an individual; he’s an institution and a leading light in Nigeria’s economic landscape. How we treat this gentleman will influence how the world perceives us. If he had invested $10 billion in global tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, his wealth today could be valued between $70 and $80 billion. But he chose to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to protect and preserve such efforts.”
The Vice President called on both labour unions and the organised private sector to demonstrate restraint, reflection, and patriotism in resolving disputes, noting that national stability and economic progress should not be jeopardised by industrial disagreements.
He added, “It’s not about holding the nation to ransom over a minor labour issue. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us. I’m not speaking as a partisan, but as a patriot.”
The government reiterated that ensuring the success of the Dangote Refinery remains a top priority, as the facility is expected to play a transformative role in Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth.
