The Federal Government has underscored the critical importance of the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, describing it as a national asset that must be supported to succeed. Speaking at the opening of the Nigerian Economic Summit 2025 in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, emphasized the need to protect the $20 billion facility.
The call comes in the wake of last week’s industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). Addressing the issue, Vice President Shettima stressed that Nigeria’s interests supersede those of any group, including PENGASSAN. “Aliko Dangote is not just an individual; he is an institution and a leading light in Nigeria’s economic landscape,” Shettima stated. “How we treat him will shape how the world perceives us.”
Shettima highlighted Dangote’s commitment to investing in Nigeria, noting that had he invested $10 billion in global giants like Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, his wealth could be worth $70 to $80 billion today. “But he chose to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to protect and promote this great Nigerian asset,” he added.
The Vice President called for caution and patriotism from both labour and the private sector, urging them to resolve disputes without holding the nation to ransom. “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN and greater than any one of us,” he declared, emphasizing the need for unity to sustain the country’s improving economic fortunes.
