Vice President Kashim Shettima has advised Nigerians to safeguard Aliko Dangote’s substantial investments in the country, emphasizing that protecting the businesses of Africa’s richest man is essential for the nation’s economic future.
Speaking at the commencement of the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, Shettima referred to Dangote as a significant figure and a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic progress.
He highlighted the importance of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, as a national asset crucial for Nigeria’s development and its competitiveness on the global stage.
His comments came in light of the recent strike by members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), who protested the reported dismissal of around 800 unionized workers at the refinery.
The strike was eventually called off after intervention from the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Read Also:
- Shettima returns from UNGA80, Germany after strategic global engagements
- Shettima pushes Nigeria’s bid for UN Security Council seat amid rising corruption concerns
- Shettima demands permanent UN Security Council Seat for Nigeria
Shettima emphasized that the billionaire entrepreneur deserves collective support for choosing to invest significantly in Nigeria rather than overseas.
He stated that “Aliko Dangote is not just an individual; he is an institution and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
“How we treat him will influence how outsiders perceive us.
“If he had invested $10 billion in companies like Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he might be worth $70 to $80 billion today.
“However, he chose to invest in his own country, and we have a responsibility to protect and promote the interests of Nigeria for future generations.”
The vice president also urged both labor unions and the organized private sector to exercise restraint and patriotism in addressing industrial conflicts, warning that reckless actions could hinder national progress.
“I urge caution, reflection, and a stronger sense of patriotism from both labor and the organized private sector in enhancing the relationship between labor and industry to maintain our improving economic situation.
“It’s not about holding the entire nation hostage over a minor labor dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN.
“Nigeria is greater than any one of us. I’m not approaching this as a partisan,” he added.
