Prominent Nigerians  have called for caution in the faceoff between Dangote refinery and  the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), saying the refinery is a national asset.

A joint atatement issued and signed by Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano, Bishop Mattew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese and Atedo Peterside, among others, emphasised  that Dangote refinery was national lifeline, with profound consequences for jobs, energy security, and inflation.

The stakeholders noted that Dangote Refinery, a $20 billion investment, had begun to ease supply pressures, with petrol prices dropping from around ₦1,500 per liter to about ₦820, a 55% reduction.

According to the statement, the development has significantly impacted transport costs and food prices, offering Nigerians a glimpse of the potential benefits of local productivity.

“Already, the refinery has begun to ease supply pressures, with petrol prices in some parts of the country dropping from around ₦1,500 per litre to about ₦820 — a 55% reduction. This impact

on transport costs and food prices offers Nigerians a glimpse of how local productivity can improve daily life.

“It also signals to investors at home and abroad that industry, rather than speculation, can still thrive in Nigeria. However, the strikes and threats that accompanied this transition send the wrong signals.

“Industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation,” the statement said.

The statement however emphasised the importance of respecting workers’ rights while protecting markets and productivity.

Joint Statement On The Dangote Refinery Dispute signed (1)

“The right to organise cannot become a license to hold the economy hostage,” they said, urging the use of statutory bodies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to address concerns about monopoly or market dominance,” it said.

The statement commended  the Federal Government, labour unions, and Dangote Refinery for stepping back from confrontation and resolving it dispute through dialogue.

“We urge that this spirit of constructive engagement become a template for the future. At the same time, we must stress the dangers that such disruptions pose to investor confidence, economic stability, and Nigeria’s strategic interest in reducing dependency on imports.

“This crisis is not about a refinery or any other business. It is about the direction of our economy: whether we will continue in a cycle of scarcity and rent-seeking or build a future anchored on

productivity, fairness, and shared prosperity,” it added.

It therefore called on Nigerians to see the bigger picture and support initiatives that promote economic growth and development.