Nigerian Students, NANS Set to Engage in Mass Action Over Fuel Scarcity

In a powerful move demonstrating the breadth of their frustration, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is gearing up for a mass protest.

The student body is demanding immediate action to tackle the ongoing fuel scarcity plaguing the nation, which has inflicted severe hardship on citizens, particularly the student population.

On a recent Monday, NANS Senate President Babatunde Akinteye released a statement expressing the dire situation faced by many Nigerians due to the fuel scarcity. He noted that numerous filling stations across the country remained shuttered over the weekend, despite assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that the issues causing fuel shortages had been resolved. This ongoing crisis has led to inflated prices for Premium Motor Spirit, with some stations charging between N700 and N800 per litre and black marketers exploiting the situation further by selling at prices as high as N1000.

The impact of the fuel crisis extends beyond just transportation woes; it has also led to increased transportation fares, unreliable electricity supply, soaring prices for goods and services, and the paralysis of essential services. In light of these challenges, students are among the hardest hit, facing unprecedented difficulties due to the spike in petrol prices and the scarcity of fuel.

In his statement, Akinteye articulated the students’ demands for immediate resolution and restoration of stability by the NNPCL. The demands include enhancing transparency, accountability, infrastructure, and logistics to ensure efficient fuel distribution across Nigeria. NANS also insists on the resignation or removal of Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, should he fail to take decisive action to end the fuel crisis.

NANS has made it clear that Nigerian students are ready to take to the streets if the situation does not improve soon. Akinteye emphasized, “Nigerian students cannot afford to suffer any longer under ineffective leadership. If the NNPCL fails to act swiftly and decisively, we are prepared to take mass action.”