Fuel price hike: NANS denies planning nationwide shutdown

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has refuted claims that it is planning a nationwide shutdown of major cities, describing such reports as unfounded.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Senate President of NANS, Babatunde Akinteye, clarified that the association neither announced nor endorsed any protest action. The statement called the rumours baseless and unrepresentative of NANS’s actual position and intentions.

“The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been made aware of misinformation circulating on various platforms, suggesting that NANS is orchestrating a massive shutdown of major cities across the country,” Akinteye said.

“We wish to categorically state that NANS has not announced or endorsed any such protest. These reports are entirely baseless and do not reflect the position or intentions of our organisation.”

The statement stressed that NANS remains committed to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement with stakeholders, rather than disrupting national peace.

“As the umbrella body representing the interests of Nigerian students, we have always been dedicated to peaceful advocacy and constructive dialogue,” the statement continued. “Maintaining peace and stability is crucial, especially during these challenging times. Actions leading to civil unrest or disruption of public order are not, and will never be, supported by NANS.”

NANS urged the public, media, and all stakeholders to disregard the false reports, noting that those behind the rumours are anonymous entities aiming to exploit the association’s name for malicious purposes.

“We strongly urge the public and security agencies to disregard these false reports. The individuals or groups behind these rumours are faceless entities seeking to destabilise the country and create unnecessary tension. We disassociate ourselves from such plans or intentions,” Akinteye added.

The association also called for a thorough investigation into the origins of the misinformation and urged security agencies to act decisively against those using NAN’s name to incite unrest.

“We urge security agencies to apprehend any individuals or groups attempting to use the NANS name to incite unrest or disrupt national peace. It is imperative that the integrity of our democratic processes and the rule of law are upheld.”

“NANS remains steadfast in advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students through peaceful, lawful, and constructive channels. We stand firmly for peace, progress, and national unity,” the statement concluded.