 has reacted sharply to remarks by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who defended business mogul Aliko Dangote amid a recent labour){kind=link}
By Fatima Mukhtar Isah
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has reacted sharply to remarks by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who defended business mogul Aliko Dangote amid a recent labour dispute involving the Dangote Refinery.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Vice President Shettima described Dangote as “an institution” and “a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament.” He urged labour unions to avoid actions that could hold the nation to ransom, saying, “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us.”
Shettima’s comments came days after PENGASSAN embarked on an industrial action to protest the alleged dismissal of unionized workers at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos. The strike disrupted parts of the oil and gas supply chain, leading to fuel shortages and a rise in cooking gas prices.
Although the strike was later suspended following government intervention, the union has maintained a firm position, insisting it acted within the law to protect workers’ rights.
Reacting to the Vice President’s statement, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo said the union would not be intimidated or silenced in defending the interests of its members.
“Our allegiance is to Nigerian workers, not to any businessman or politician. We acted within the law to defend our members who were unfairly treated. If such situations arise again, we will respond the same way,” Osifo said.
He further countered Shettima’s remarks, stressing that the nation’s interest should not revolve around one company or individual.
“Nigeria is indeed greater than PENGASSAN, but it is also greater than Dangote or any single person. We will always stand by what is right,” he added.
Analysts say the exchange highlights the growing friction between government efforts to protect big investors and labour unions’ push for fair workplace practices.
Observers warn that continued disputes of this nature could threaten the country’s industrial stability and economic recovery efforts.
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