Nigerian Students Plan Nationwide Protests Against Fuel Price Hike and NNPC Leadership

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans for a massive shutdown of major cities across Nigeria, set to commence on 15th September 2024.

This large-scale protest is aimed at challenging the recent increase in fuel prices and expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under its Director General, Mele Kyari.

In a statement signed by Okunomo Henry Adewumi, President of the NANS Senate, the student body called for the immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and demanded the removal of Mr. Kyari from his position.

The statement highlighted the widespread frustration and economic hardship caused by the repeated increases in fuel prices, which have significantly affected the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.

According to NANS, the decision to mobilise students and occupy major cities is a response to what they describe as the government’s failure to address the critical issues plaguing the nation’s economy and the perceived incompetence of the NNPC leadership.

The union emphasised that the protest will be both peaceful and lawful, urging authorities to ensure that law and order are maintained during the demonstrations.

“We write to notify you of an impending massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, effective 15th September 2024, in protest of the recent hike in fuel prices and the gross incompetence of the NNPC Director General, Mele Kyari,” the statement read.

NANS argued that the continuous increase in fuel prices has inflicted severe hardship on the populace, making it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to meet their basic needs.

The association further condemned what it perceives as the NNPC’s failure to manage the country’s oil resources effectively, accusing the corporation’s leadership of being disconnected from the struggles of the average Nigerian.

“The incessant increase in fuel prices has brought untold hardship to the masses, and we can no longer stand idly by while our future is mortgaged by the actions of a few,” NANS stated.

NANS also made a clarion call to all Nigerian students to join the protest, emphasising the collective power of student activism in driving change.

“We call on all Nigerian students across the country to wake up to this clarion 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.

We shall rise in unison to demand a better deal for Nigerian students and the masses,” the statement continued.

The organisation criticised the government’s lack of effective measures to cushion the impact of the fuel price hikes on vulnerable populations, including students who are already burdened by rising costs of education and living expenses.

NANS argued that the current situation is unsustainable and demands urgent action from the government to prevent further economic and social deterioration.

In addition to calling for the reversal of the fuel price increase, NANS reiterated its demand for the dismissal of Mele Kyari as the Director General of the NNPC, accusing him of gross incompetence and a failure to protect the interests of Nigerians.

The union stated that Mr. Kyari’s leadership has been marked by policies that disproportionately favour a few while leaving the vast majority of Nigerians to suffer the consequences of poorly managed resources.

As the planned shutdown date approaches, NANS assured the public and relevant authorities that the protests would be conducted peacefully and within the bounds of the law.

They called on the security forces and government officials to respect the rights of the protesters and to avoid any actions that could lead to violence or the disruption of the peaceful demonstration.

“We urge you to take necessary measures to maintain law and order during the shutdown, as we assure you that our protest will be peaceful and lawful,” NANS stated in their notice.

The planned protests reflect the growing discontent among Nigerian youths and students over the state of the nation’s economy and governance.

NANS’s mobilisation is seen as a significant move to hold the government accountable and to push for reforms that prioritise the welfare of Nigerian citizens over the interests of a few.

As the date for the shutdown nears, the spotlight will be on how both the government and the NNPC respond to these demands.

The outcome could set the tone for future interactions between the government and Nigeria’s vibrant student population, as they continue to advocate for a better and more equitable future for all.