The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Dangote Refinery, describing the $20 billion project as a national economic asset that must not be allowed to fail.
Speaking at the opening session of the Nigerian Economic Summit 2025 in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima, supported by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, stressed the refinery’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
Shettima’s remarks followed last week’s industrial action by members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which had temporarily disrupted operations at the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery.
In a firm statement, the Vice President declared:
“Aliko Dangote is not just an individual; he is an institution and a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament. How we treat this gentleman will determine how the world perceives us.”
Shettima noted that if Dangote had chosen to invest his billions abroad — in companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, or Google — his wealth would have multiplied many times over.
“But he chose to invest here, in his own country. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to protect and promote this national treasure,” he added.
Calling for patriotism and restraint from both labour and the private sector, Shettima cautioned against actions that could undermine national progress.
“It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom because of a minor labour dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us,” he said.
The Vice President emphasised that the administration remains committed to fostering a healthy relationship between labour and industry, urging dialogue and cooperation in resolving disputes rather than confrontation.
The Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos, is Africa’s largest oil refining facility and is projected to play a pivotal role in ending Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, stabilising fuel prices, and boosting job creation across the country.