Vice President Kashim Shettima has issued a strong appeal for national unity and economic patriotism, urging Nigerians to respect and protect the landmark investment made by Aliko Dangote in the country’s refining sector. Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Economic Outlook Forum in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that the Dangote Refinery represents a critical pillar in Nigeria’s quest for energy independence and industrial resurgence.
“The Dangote Refinery is not just a private venture — it is a national asset,” Shettima declared. “We must rally around it, not sabotage it. This is about our future, our children’s future, and the sovereignty of our economy.”
His remarks come amid growing tensions between the Dangote Group and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), following allegations of unfair labor practices and a nationwide strike that disrupted refinery operations. Shettima cautioned against politicizing industrial disputes, warning that undermining such a strategic investment could jeopardize Nigeria’s long-term development goals.
The Vice President praised Dangote’s courage in investing over $19 billion in the refinery project, which is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, stabilize the naira, and create thousands of jobs. “This is the kind of bold, transformative investment we need. It’s time we stopped treating our own investors like adversaries,” he said.
Shettima also called on regulatory bodies, labor unions, and civil society to engage in constructive dialogue and prioritize national interest. “We must build bridges, not burn them. The refinery is a symbol of what is possible when Nigerians believe in Nigeria,” he added.