Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to show respect and protection toward the multibillion-dollar investments of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, stressing that safeguarding such ventures is key to Nigeria’s long-term economic survival.
Speaking at the opening session of the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, Shettima described Dangote as “an institution and a pillar of Nigeria’s economic development,” noting that his $20 billion refinery project — with a 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity — stands as a cornerstone for the nation’s growth and global competitiveness.
His remarks come in the wake of last week’s strike action by members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), who protested the alleged dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Refinery. The strike was later suspended after the intervention of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Shettima urged Nigerians to appreciate Dangote’s decision to invest massively within the country rather than abroad, insisting that such patriotism should be celebrated, not undermined.
“Aliko Dangote is not just an individual — he is an institution, a leading light in Nigeria’s economic space,” Shettima said. “If he had invested his $10 billion in Microsoft or Amazon, he might be worth $70 to $80 billion today. But he chose Nigeria, and we owe it to future generations to protect and preserve his legacy.”
The Vice President also appealed to both labour unions and private sector leaders to embrace patriotism and restraint in handling disputes, warning that reckless industrial actions could jeopardize national progress.
“I’m calling for caution and reflection,” Shettima added. “Nigeria is greater than any labour union or corporate body. We must balance the interests of industry and labour to sustain our growing economy.”
