The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its readiness to meet with President Bola Tinubu, if necessary, to demand a reversal of the recent increase in petrol prices.
NANS Secretary, David Bariereka, revealed this during an interview, stating that the student body is in discussions with key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including Aliko Dangote, oil marketers, and the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), to find a solution to ease the burden on the public.
This comes after NANS announced plans to proceed with a nationwide protest against the fuel price hike, scheduled for September 15, 2024. NANS Senate President, Henry Okuomo, reaffirmed the group’s determination during a recent interview, saying the union intends to hold the government accountable for the hardships Nigerians are facing. He emphasized that the increase in fuel prices has affected students directly, and NANS is prepared to take action, not just for fuel price reduction, but to address broader issues affecting the nation.
Okuomo explained that with over 40 million Nigerian students, NANS holds significant influence and plans to make its voice heard. He confirmed that the protest is not a threat but a certainty unless the government reverses its hardship-inducing policies.
NANS had earlier called for the removal of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari but has since taken a more cautious approach. Bariereka urged students to disregard calls for immediate protest, clarifying that the association is not yet mobilizing for demonstrations. He acknowledged the growing challenges caused by the fuel price increase and emphasized that NANS leadership is committed to exploring all negotiation avenues with the authorities before resorting to protests.
Bariereka highlighted the success of NANS’ recent advocacy against the electricity bill hike for Band A users, which resulted in the president appointing a committee to explore solar energy solutions for Nigerian universities. He urged students to remain calm and await further directives from the NANS national secretariat regarding the response to the fuel price hike.
