The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said it will be left with no option than to embark on a nationwide protest if the federal government does not heed its calls for the reversal in the pump price of petrol.
The students’ union said while it was exploring dialogue with the government, the protest will be the last resort if that fails. NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja, where the students’ body also called for the dismissal of non-performing ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
Akinteye also urged the government to increase the student loan maintenance allowance from N20,000 to N40,000 in the light of the recent financial challenges, to help students cope with the rising cost of living and ensure they continue their education without excessive financial hardship.
“We acknowledge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts and those of his administration in implementing reforms aimed at steering the country towards growth and stability. However, we urge the President to consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians as these reforms take shape. We respectfully ask that these policies be rolled out in phases to allow citizens the breathing space to adapt and survive,” Akinteye stated.
On the call for the dismissal of non-performing ministers, NAN said: “Many ministries have been passive, indifferent, and silent, failing to communicate their plans or progress to the Nigerian people. It is time for a more dynamic and accountable government.
“In addition, we urge the government to prioritise reducing excessive government spending. At a time when Nigerians are being asked to make sacrifices, it is only fair that those in power lead by example.”
NANS said in line with its commitment to due process, the leadership had resolved to take its demands directly to the federal government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and was constituting a 10-man committee representing all structures of NANS to engage with these bodies within the next week.
“Our goal is to present our demands, highlight possible solutions, and expedite our efforts to secure a reduction in fuel prices and find tangible solutions to the challenges we face,” he added.
