NANS Plans Nationwide Protest Against Petrol Price Hike, but Urges Patience for Negotiations
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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced its readiness to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss reversing the recent increase in petrol prices. NANS Secretary David Bariereka shared this information during an interview in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Bariereka also revealed that the student group is engaging with key figures in the petroleum industry, including businessman Aliko Dangote, oil marketers, and the Minister of State for Petroleum, to find solutions that would lessen the public’s financial strain.
This move follows NANS’ decision to proceed with a nationwide protest against the petrol price hike.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has scheduled a nationwide strike for September 15, 2024, in response to the recent increase in fuel prices.
Henry Okuomo, the Senate President of NANS, discussed the planned strike during an appearance last Friday. Okuomo emphasized that the union is committed to holding the government accountable due to the widespread hardship affecting Nigerians, particularly students.
“We are not issuing a mere threat,” Okuomo stated. “This strike is a direct response to the current situation. The increase in fuel prices has compounded the difficulties Nigerians, especially students, are facing. As student leaders representing over 40 million Nigerian students, we have no option but to advocate for the people.”
He highlighted that the student body is positioned to play a significant role in addressing these issues and is determined to fight for the public’s well-being.
Henry Okuomo, the Senate President of NANS, emphasized the need for a strong response to the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians. In his recent interview, Okuomo declared that on September 15, 2024, the student body will launch a major protest if the government does not address the issues.
“We must raise our voices to alleviate the undue stress and suffering caused by government policies,” Okuomo stated. “Our action on the 15th is definitive; we will be taking to the streets.”
Okuomo also noted that the protest will not only demand a reduction in fuel prices but will also address other national issues. He stressed that if the government fails to reverse the hardship policies by then, the student body will proceed with their planned demonstrations.
Previously, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had called for the removal of Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL). However, NANS Secretary David Bariereka has now urged students across Nigeria to disregard calls for a national protest.
Bariereka clarified that the association is not currently mobilizing for a protest, despite acknowledging the increasing hardships due to the recent fuel price hike. He emphasized that NANS plans to explore all negotiation and engagement options with relevant authorities before considering protests.
He also highlighted the success of their recent campaign against the electricity bill increase for Band A users, which resulted in the president appointing a committee to explore solar energy options for Nigerian universities. Bariereka encouraged students to remain patient and await further instructions from the NANS national secretariat on the next steps.
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