The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) calls for the massive shutdown of all major cities in the country by the 15th of September.
The protest is scheduled in response to the recent hike in petrol prices that plagues the country.
The body accuses the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), under the leadership of Mele Kyari, as “incompetent.”.
“We demand an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Mr. Kyari as the NNPC DG,” the statement read.
NANS, representing the student body across the country, saw the cost per litre rise from ₦617 to ₦897, from September 3, 2024.
What does this mean?
This fuel increase has worsened the already difficult economic conditions for many Nigerians, especially students who struggle with the rising cost of living.
The student body described this price hike as an act that poses a threat to the future of Nigerian students and the broader population.
The organization accuses the NNPCL of failing to fulfill its mandate of ensuring a stable supply of petrol. Instead, they contribute to a cycle of hardship for the Nigerian people.
The protest planned to be peaceful and lawful, is not just one for students but a call to all concerned Nigerians. Joining means a demand for a more compassionate approach to governance.
“We call on all Nigerian students across the country to wake up to this confirmation call, as we will be occupying all major cities on the 15th of September, 2024. We shall not be silenced, and we shall not be intimidated.”, they declared.
Overlooked Burden on Students and the Growing lack of trust in Public Institutions
While much attention is on the fuel price hike itself, the deeper issue is the effect on students already grappling with high tuition fees.
Limited job prospects and now skyrocketing living costs are also on the table.
The added burden may force some to drop out or compromise the quality of their education by juggling multiple jobs.
This crisis further corrupts trust in public institutions, as NANS’s demands highlight not just economic hardship but a growing mistrust of leadership that appears disconnected from the realities of the average Nigerian.
When public institutions fail to protect the interests of the people, particularly students, it deepens the public’s lack of trust in leadership.
This causes long-lasting effects and encourages disengagement among the youth. This makes students feel their voices are not heard or valued by those in power.
NANS has assured the public that measures will be taken to maintain law and order during the protest, emphasizing that this is a critical moment for Nigerians to rise in unison to ensure their voices are heard and their grievances addressed.
As the protest date approaches, the resolve of NANS members and their supporters remains firm. They have made it clear that they will not be intimidated or silenced in their demand for a better deal for Nigerian students and the masses as a whole.
