By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government has criticised 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 involving the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Vice President Kashim Shettima issued the rebuke on Monday while declaring open the 31st Nigeria Economic Summit (NESG) at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. He stressed that the refinery, which has the capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is a national treasure that must be protected for future generations.
“Aliko Dangote is not just an individual; he is an institution and a leading light in Nigeria’s economic rejuvenation,” Shettima said. “If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he could be worth $70 to $80 billion by now. But he chose to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to protect and promote his efforts.”
The Vice President described the refinery as vital to Nigeria’s industrial and economic transformation, calling for patriotism and restraint from both labour unions and the organised private sector.
“It’s not about holding the nation to ransom over a minor labour dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN; Nigeria is greater than all of us,” he stated.
Shettima further urged the NESG to make far-reaching recommendations on sustaining industrial harmony, while assuring that the government is taking steps to protect critical industries and foster a stable business environment.
