Shettima Backs Dangote Refinery, Says Nigeria Is Greater Than PENGASSAN

|By Chinwendu Nwani

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria’s national interest must come before union interests, asserting that “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN.” His comment follows the ongoing dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, Shettima underscored the economic importance of the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset” that must be protected and supported to thrive.

“The $20 billion facility represents a bold statement of faith in Nigeria,” the Vice-President said. “Aliko Dangote is not just an individual; he is an institution and a leading light in our economic parliament. If he had invested in Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he would probably be worth $70 to $80 billion today. But he chose to invest at home, and we owe it to future generations to preserve and promote that decision.”

Shettima appealed to labour unions and private sector players to show restraint and patriotism in resolving disputes, warning against actions that could undermine national progress.

“It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom over a minor labour disagreement,” he cautioned. “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us.”

He concluded by urging both labour and industry to embrace dialogue in the interest of sustaining the country’s economic recovery and industrial growth.