Fuel price hike: Protest is last resort, we’ll dialogue with FG, says NANS

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) announced on Monday that it will seek dialogue with the Federal Government over the recent petrol price hike, with protests as a last resort. NANS also called for the dismissal of non-performing ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

NANS also called for the dismissal of non-performing ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. The Senate President of NANS, Akinteye Babatunde, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja.

Akinteye urged the government to increase the student loan maintenance allowance from N20,000 to N40,000 to help students cope with rising living costs amid recent economic challenges. He noted that this adjustment would ease the financial burden on students and allow them to continue their education without undue hardship.

“Dialogue is the first and most prudent step,” Akinteye stated. “We will seek avenues for constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders to address our grievances. Protests should be a last resort, not the first option. We must exhaust every possible channel of negotiation and engagement before contemplating taking to the streets.”

He acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration in implementing reforms to steer the country towards growth and stability.

However, he urged the President to consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians and to implement these policies in phases to allow citizens time to adapt.

“While we understand that the removal of the fuel subsidy is intended for the greater good, we ask for visible benefits amid the current hardship. Furthermore, we call for the dismissal of non-performing ministers,” he added.

“Many ministries have been passive, indifferent, and silent, failing to communicate their plans or progress to the Nigerian people. It is time for a more dynamic and accountable government.”

NANS also urged the government to reduce excessive spending.

“At a time when Nigerians are being asked to make sacrifices, it is only fair that those in power lead by example,” Akinteye stated.

To address the financial challenges faced by students, NANS appealed for an increase in the student loan maintenance allowance from N20,000 to N40,000.

“This adjustment is essential to help students cope with the rising cost of living and ensure they can continue their education without undue financial strain,” he said.

The leadership of NANS has resolved to take their demands directly to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Federal Government.

A 10-man committee representing all structures of NANS will engage with these bodies within the next week.

“Our goal is to present our demands, highlight possible solutions, and expedite efforts to secure a reduction in fuel prices and find tangible solutions to the challenges we face,” Akinteye concluded.