NANS has Mobilised For Nationwide Protest Over Petrol Price Hike.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commenced mobilization for its scheduled September 15, 2024 nationwide protest against the latest hike in petrol prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
NANS said its decision to embark on the nationwide protest followed the increase in pump price of petrol announced on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 by the NNPC Ltd from ₦617 per litre to ₦897 per litre, in spite of the difficulties and challenges Nigerians were facing since last year as a result of the removal of subsidy.
NANS therefore said that it has resolved to lead the charge against what it describes as an “egregious act,” stressing that as the date for the strike approaches, its members remain determined and resolute in its demand for the government to reconsider the petrol price hike and adopt policies that prioritize the well-being of Nigerian students and the broader population.
A statement titled; “Fuel Price Hike: A Threat to Our Future,” NANS National Senate President, Henry Okunomo, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the price hike, stressing that the development was a severe blow to the future of Nigerian students and the wider population.
It therefore called for an immediate reversal of the petrol pump price, saying that the increase is an unjustifiable burden on the Nigerian people, especially students who are already struggling with the rising cost of living,
NANS further said; “We cannot sit idly by while our future is being threatened by policies that only deepen our suffering”.
The Students association called on all Nigerian students, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to join the peaceful protest on September 15.
NANS vowed that its members would rise in unison to demand a more compassionate approach to governance, stressing that it is importance to stand together at this critical moment to ensure the voices of the masses are heard.
While justifying the schedule September 15, protest, NANS castigated the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd, saying that it has demonstrated “gross incompetence” as it has failed to fulfill its mandate of stable petrol supply.
NANS described the NNPCL as a “behemoth of inefficiency,” stressing that the organization’s actions are perpetuating a cycle of hardship and despair for the Nigerian people.