The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its readiness to engage in discussions with President Bola Tinubu over the recent hike in petrol prices, should the need arise. This was revealed by NANS Secretary, David Bariereka, during an interview with Channels Television in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Bariereka explained that NANS is currently in talks with major stakeholders in the petroleum industry. These include notable figures like Aliko Dangote, oil marketers, and the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Timipre Sylva Lokpobiri. The aim is to seek solutions that will help ease the financial burden the recent price hike has placed on Nigerians.
This stance comes after NANS vowed to proceed with a planned nationwide protest against the fuel price increase. The protest is scheduled to take place on September 15, 2024. The association has been vocal about its dissatisfaction with the government’s policies, which they say are worsening the already difficult living conditions for Nigerians.
NANS Senate President Henry Okuomo previously reiterated the union’s resolve to hold the government accountable. He pointed out the escalating hardships faced by the citizens, particularly students, as a result of the fuel price increase.
In his words, “We are not just threatening a strike; it is what we are going to do because of the current condition in the country. Nigerians are enduring a lot, and students are not spared. With over 40 million Nigerian students, we believe it’s time to raise our voices and stand against the undue stress caused by these policies.”
Okuomo made it clear that NANS plans to demand not only a reduction in fuel prices but also a reconsideration of other policies that are negatively affecting the nation. He emphasized that unless the government reverses these hardship-inducing policies, students will take to the streets.
Previously, the student body had called for the removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), due to the perceived mismanagement of the fuel price situation.
In a shift from its earlier position, Bariereka urged students across Nigeria to disregard any calls for a nationwide protest for now. He stated that the association is not yet mobilizing for such action. However, he acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians are currently facing and assured the public that NANS is committed to exploring all avenues of dialogue and negotiation before considering protests.
He highlighted the recent success of NANS’ campaign against the increase in electricity bills for Band A users, which resulted in President Tinubu setting up a committee to investigate the use of solar energy in Nigerian universities.
Bariereka appealed to Nigerian students to remain calm and wait for official directives from the NANS national leadership regarding their response to the ongoing fuel price hike.
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