Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has issued a strong appeal for the protection of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote’s, multi-billion dollar domestic investments, describing the ventures as vital national assets.
Speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Mr. Shettima warned that the safeguarding of projects like the $20 billion Dangote Refinery—which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day—is crucial for securing the country’s economic future and global standing.
The Vice President’s remarks come just days after an industrial dispute at the massive refinery, where the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) temporarily suspended strike action over the alleged dismissal of approximately 800 union members.
Mr. Shettima praised the industrialist for choosing to invest heavily in Nigeria rather than abroad.
“Aliko Dangote… is an institution and a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament. How we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us,” he said, urging a “deeper sense of patriotism” from both labour unions and the private sector.
The Vice President cautioned against allowing “minor labour disputes” to escalate into actions that could undermine national progress, adding, “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us.”
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