CPPE Urges Government to Shield Investors from Unlawful Business Shutdowns

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has issued a strong appeal to the Nigerian government, calling for the urgent creation of a policy framework to prevent the unlawful shutdown of businesses and safeguard investor interests across the country.

Dependable NG reports that the demand, articulated in a statement on Sunday by the CPPE Chief Executive Officer, Muda Yusuf, emphasizes that establishing a robust policy to protect investors is not a favour but a “national economic imperative.” The economic think-tank stressed that such a move is essential to boost and strengthen investor confidence, particularly shielding critical national assets like the Dangote Refinery from disruptive labour union actions.

The CPPE argued that the protection of employers and investors is directly linked to national prosperity, highlighting the fundamental role of the private sector in the economy. “Investors mobilise capital, create jobs, and generate the tax revenues that sustain government and society. Without them, there can be no sustained growth, no employment, and no national prosperity,” the statement read.

According to the Centre, Nigeria must, therefore, urgently institutionalize a fair, secure, and predictable business environment that protects those who take risks to create wealth. Yusuf clarified that this push is not intended to weaken the power of labour unions, but to achieve a necessary balance. “This is not about weakening labour unions but about balancing rights and responsibilities to foster sustainable economic growth, social stability, and national security,” he added.

This plea from the CPPE follows recent high-stakes industrial tensions involving a major economic asset. The call was issued shortly after the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) declared a nationwide strike against the Dangote Refinery over the mass sacking of workers. That industrial action, which threatened the country’s energy stability, was only temporarily suspended after the direct intervention of the Federal Government brokered a truce between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery management.