The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared its intention to stage a large-scale protest within the next 72 hours in response to allegations of the fraudulent diversion of food supplies by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The protest aims to spotlight the alleged misappropriation of 42,000 metric tons of food grains meant for Nigeria’s poor and vulnerable populations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, signed by NANS Deputy Senate President Huzaifa Sabo Usman, the student body expressed outrage over the alleged diversion. Usman revealed that NANS had filed a Freedom of Information request with NEMA on August 14, 2024, under the title “Alleged Diversion of 42,000 Metric Tons of Grains.” This request was part of an effort to investigate complaints from various states regarding the missing food supplies.
Despite these efforts, NANS has received no satisfactory explanation from NEMA about the whereabouts of the food items, which several state governors and investigative reports have confirmed never reached the intended recipients.
According to Usman, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had confirmed through a letter (reference FMA/SGR/S/971/11/115) dated June 27, 2024, that the food grains were indeed released to NEMA following a directive from the President. However, NANS alleges that NEMA staff, in collaboration with corrupt state officials, diverted the grains for personal gain, depriving many Nigerians of essential food supplies.
Usman stated, “The scale of this diversion points to deep-seated corruption involving NEMA’s Director General and her management team. This scandal is reminiscent of previous mismanagement cases that sparked significant civil unrest, including the nationwide End Bad Governance protests.”
Given the gravity of the allegations, NANS is demanding an immediate and transparent account of how the 42,000 metric tons of food grains were distributed. Usman issued a 72-hour ultimatum to NEMA, warning that if the agency fails to provide a satisfactory response within this period, NANS will organize a massive protest at NEMA’s headquarters to hold those responsible accountable.
“NANS calls on all students and the general public to support this cause and join us in our fight for justice and transparency,” Usman added.
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