The Federal Government on Monday condemned the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for what it described as an attempt to hold the nation to ransom over a minor labour dispute that could have been amicably resolved.
Declaring open the 31st edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG) in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery is a strategic national asset that must be protected and supported to succeed.
Shettima said, “Aliko Dangote is not just an individual; he is an institution and a leading light in Nigeria’s economic rejuvenation. How we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders judge us. If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he might be worth $70–80 billion by now. But he chose to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to protect and promote the interest of this great Nigerian.”
The Vice President urged both labour and the organised private sector to act with patriotism and caution in their engagements.
“It’s not about holding the nation to ransom over a minor labour dispute,” he said. “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us.”
In a related development, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has called on the Federal Government to establish a clear policy framework to prevent the unlawful shutdown of businesses.
CPPE Chief Executive Officer, Muda Yusuf, said such a framework is vital for investor protection and national economic stability.
“Investors mobilise capital, create jobs, and generate tax revenues that sustain government and society. Protecting investors and employers is not a privilege — it is a national economic imperative,” the group stated.
Meanwhile, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in averting what it described as “the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN” against the company.
In a statement, the company commended the President’s leadership and the efforts of senior government officials, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Toyin Ajayi; and the Director-General of the NIA, Mohammed Mohammed, for restoring order and stability in the energy sector.
Others acknowledged for their roles were the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Dingyadi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; and Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Dangote Refinery also thanked Nigerians for their overwhelming support during the dispute.
