The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a warning of potential mass action if the Federal Government does not promptly address the prevailing fuel scarcity in the nation. The student body has also called for the resignation of Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), should he fail to take decisive measures to resolve the fuel crisis.

In a statement released on Monday, Babatunde Akinteye, the Senate President of the association, expressed dismay over the widespread frustration and helplessness experienced by citizens, including students, due to the fuel scarcity. Reports indicate that Nigerians in Lagos and other regions are encountering difficulties in accessing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with many filling stations remaining closed over the weekend.

Despite assurances from the NNPCL regarding the resolution of logistical challenges causing the tight supply, queues at filling stations persist, and some stations are reportedly selling fuel at inflated prices, providing an opportunity for black marketers to exploit desperate buyers.

The fuel scarcity has also resulted in increased transport fares, exacerbating the challenges faced by students and the general populace. Akinteye emphasized the urgent need for the NNPCL to take immediate action to resolve the crisis and restore stability, warning of potential protests from students if the situation persists.

He called for transparency and accountability from the NNPCL in providing information about fuel supply and distribution, stressing the importance of addressing bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the supply chain. Additionally, Akinteye urged the NNPCL to engage with stakeholders, including student representatives, to collaborate on finding solutions to the crisis.