The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is prepared to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the recent petrol price hike. NANS is in talks with key stakeholders, aiming to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and to mobilize for a nationwide protest scheduled for September 15, 2024.
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its readiness to meet with President Bola Tinubu regarding the recent increase in the price of Petrol Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol. During an interview with Channels Television in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NANS Secretary David Bariereka outlined the association's proactive approach in seeking solutions to alleviate the financial burden placed on the public due to rising fuel costs.
Bariereka emphasized that NANS is currently in discussions with key stakeholders in the petroleum industry, including prominent businessman Aliko Dangote, oil marketers, and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri. This dialogue aims to address the growing hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly students, in light of the planned nationwide protest set for September 15, 2024, to demand a reversal of the petrol price increase.
Senate President of NANS, Henry Okuomo, reaffirmed the union's determination to hold the government accountable, expressing frustration over the current economic hardships. "We are not threatening a strike; we are going to take action because of the current situation in the country," he stated. With over 40 million students across Nigeria, Okuomo emphasized the importance of making their voices heard during these challenging times.
Despite the urgency for action, Bariereka called for students to remain patient as NANS explore all avenues for negotiation before resorting to protests. He highlighted the success of previous efforts, such as their campaign against an electricity bill hike, which led to the president forming a committee to explore solar energy solutions for Nigerian universities.
As the situation unfolds, NANS urges students nationwide to await directives from the national secretariat regarding future actions in response to the petrol price hike, ensuring that their advocacy remains focused on fair treatment for all Nigerians.
