Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that Nigeria’s national interests supersede those of any trade union, calling for patriotism in resolving industrial disputes to safeguard the country’s economic progress.
Speaking on Monday at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31) in Abuja, themed “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030,” Shettima passionately defended the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, describing it as a national asset that must be protected at all costs.
Shettima’s remarks come amid an ongoing industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which has been embroiled in a dispute with the management of the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery.
Highlighting the refinery’s significance, he stated, “Aliko Dangote is not an individual; he’s an institution, a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament.
How we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders judge us.” He noted that had Dangote invested his billions in global giants like Microsoft or Amazon, his wealth could have soared to $70–80 billion, but instead, he chose to invest in Nigeria.
“We owe it to future generations to jealously protect, promote, preserve, and protect the interests of this great Nigeria,” Shettima added.Addressing the labour unrest, Shettima urged caution and a deeper sense of patriotism from both labour unions and the private sector.
“It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom because of a minor labour dispute,” he said, firmly asserting, “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN.
Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us.” His call for restraint underscores the need for collaboration to maintain Nigeria’s improving economic fortunes.
In his opening remarks, Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), echoed Shettima’s sentiments, stressing that Nigeria’s treatment of domestic investors like Dangote sends a critical signal to foreign investors.
“How we treat domestic investors will provide the right signals for foreign investors,” Yusuf said, pointing out that policy predictability, investment protection, and transparent dispute-resolution mechanisms are vital for rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s economy.
Despite slight fiscal improvements, he noted persistent challenges, including weak foreign direct investment, high inflation, and mounting debt-service obligations, which continue to dampen investor confidence.
The summit, attended by policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders, highlighted the urgency of sustained economic reforms to achieve a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria by 2030.
Shettima’s defense of the Dangote Refinery and his call for unity resonate as Nigeria navigates complex labour and economic challenges, with the refinery’s success seen as pivotal to the nation’s energy security and industrial growth.
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