Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to tread carefully in its ongoing conflict with Dangote Refinery, warning that their actions could shape how foreign investors perceive Nigeria’s business environment.

Speaking on Monday during the opening of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31) in Abuja, Shettima described Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, as “not just an individual but an institution.”

According to him, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private investment—it stands as a national economic asset and a symbol of industrial hope for Nigeria.

“Aliko Dangote is not an individual. He is a leading light in Nigeria's economic firmament, and how we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us,” Shettima said.

“If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he would probably be worth $78 billion today. But he chose to invest in this country, and we owe it to future generations to promote, protect, preserve, and project the interest of this great Nigerian.”

His comments come amid a brewing crisis between PENGASSAN and the management of Dangote Refinery, following reports that about 800 Nigerian workers were laid off and replaced with Indian expatriates.

The union accused the Dangote Group of violating labour laws by allegedly preventing Nigerian staff from joining PENGASSAN. The refinery management, however, denied the claims, insisting that it operates within the bounds of Nigerian law. The dispute escalated into an industrial action last week.

Shettima’s remarks appear to be a call for restraint and perspective—reminding labour unions and stakeholders that Dangote’s refinery, one of the largest in the world, remains a vital component of Nigeria’s economic recovery agenda.

Observers say the Vice President’s statement underscores a broader message to the international investment community: that Nigeria values and protects those who commit capital to its growth, even amid internal disagreements.

For many, his words also highlight the delicate balance the government must maintain—protecting workers’ rights while preserving investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.