Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to handle its dispute with the Dangote Refinery with caution and respect. Shettima described Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, as “an institution,” emphasizing that how Nigeria treats him will influence how foreign investors and global partners perceive the country.

The Vice President made the appeal while speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, noting that Dangote’s investments have created thousands of jobs and brought international attention to Nigeria’s industrial growth. He said the government values open dialogue but will not allow unnecessary hostility to discourage major investors who contribute significantly to national development.

Shettima called on PENGASSAN and other industry players to seek peaceful resolutions through constructive engagement, rather than confrontation. He stressed that national progress requires collaboration between government, labor unions, and private sector leaders.