The National association of Nigerian students (NANS), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to immediately sack all non-performing ministers as any ministries have been passive, indifferent, and silent, failing to communicate their plans or progress to the Nigerian people.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, on Monday, NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, noted that the remover of fuel subsidies is intended for the greater good of Nigeria.
“While we understand that the removal of fuel subsidies is intended for the greater good, we ask for visible benefits amid the current hardship. Furthermore, we call for the dismissal of non-performing ministers. Many ministries have been passive, indifferent, and silent, failing to communicate their plans or progress to the Nigerian people. It is time for a more dynamic and accountable government.
According to him, the Apex student body urged the federal government to prioritize the reduction of excessive spending.
“In addition, we urge the government to prioritize the reduction of excessive government spending. At a time when Nigerians are being asked to make sacrifices, it is only fair that those in power lead by example.
“We find ourselves at a pivotal juncture in our nation’s history, where the weight of economic reforms has cast a shadow of discomfort, hunger, and despair across our land. The reality we face today is daunting, and the uncertainty of these times cannot be understated. Yet, amidst these challenges, we must stand united and clear-headed. Burning down our country is not an option; it is not a solution. As the foremost student and youth movement in Africa, we share the same struggles, hopes, and aspirations as every Nigerian. We sit where the masses sit, we stand where they stand, and we feel their pain.
Akinteye said in moments like this, the need for thoughtful, measured action is paramount.
” We must remain astute in our decision-making and conscious of our overall conduct. This period requires not just passion but prudence, as we explore the best path toward the progress. growth, and change that we all so earnestly desire.
“Having observed the current hardships, ranging from foreign exchange irregularities to fuel scarcity, skyrocketing food prices, and the general decline in living conditions, it has become necessary for us to address the nation and the student populace. We are not ignorant of the profound difficulties caused by the recent hike in fuel prices, and we understand all too well the strain it places on our students and the larger society.
“As an association deeply rooted in knowledge and technical expertise, we have conducted thorough investigations into the causes of the current economic distress. Our findings reveal that the scarcity of crude products has led to the fuel price hike. Furthermore, the productivity and operations of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have drastically declined, contributing to the challenges we face.
He also noted that NANS is a reformed organization, committed to making decisions based on verified facts, rigorous investigations, and thoughtful consultations.
“We will not make demands based on unfounded opinions or impulsive reactions. We cannot afford to be perceived as uninformed or reactionary- this would be a stark betrayal of our core values and responsibilities.
“We acknowledge that Nigerians, especially students, are severely impacted by the high fuel prices, as our economy is deeply tied to fuel. The ripple effect is felt most intensely by the lower class, and the cries of distress are understandable. However, it is crucial that we approach these issues with caution and strategy.
“The mood across the nation is one of anger, frustration, and desperation. Many Nigerians are on edge, waiting for a spark to ignite unrest. But we must resist the temptation to react in haste. As leaders, we are mindful of the importance of preserving life and liberty. The safety of every Nigerian student is our top priority, and we will not risk exposing them to danger by hastily calling for protests.
“Dialogue is the first and most prudent step. We will seek avenues for constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders to address our grievances. Protests should only be a last resort, not the first option. We must exhaust every possible channel of negotiation and engagement before we contemplate taking to the streets.
“We acknowledge the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration in implementing reforms aimed at steering the country toward growth and stability. However, we urge the President to consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians as these reforms take shape. We respectfully ask that these policies be rolled out in phases, to give citizens the breathing space to adapt and survive.
NANS appeals to the government to increase the student loan upkeep from twenty thousand Naira to forty thousand Naira, as to help students cope with the rising cost of living.
“In light of the financial difficulties facing students, we also take this opportunity to appeal to the government to increase the student loan upkeep from N20.000 to N40,000. This adjustment is essential to help students cope with the rising cost of living and ensure that they can continue to pursue their education without undue financial strain.
“As part of our commitment to due process, the leadership of NANS has resolved to take our demands directly to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), NMDPRA, and the Federal Government. To this end, we are constituting a 10-man committee representing all structures of NANS to engage with these bodies within the next week. Our goal is to take our demands to their tables, highlight possible solutions to expedite our drive to see to the downward reduction in fuel price, secure tangible solutions to the challenges we face.
He said; “NANS has not made any declaration for a protest at the national, zonal, or JCC levels. Should the need arise for such action, we will communicate it clearly and in coordination with all NANS structures. In the meantime, we are giving a clear directive to security agencies to deal decisively with any individual or group that seeks to disturb the peace of the nation under the guise of NANS.
Any organization or group wishing to protest is free to do so, as it is their constitutional right. However, they must not do so under the name of NANS.
Conclusively, we reiterate our commitment to the Nigerian students and the nation at large. We will continue to act with prudence, wisdom, and diligence in our quest for justice, fairness, and progress. This is not the time for chaos
but for strategic, thoughtful action.
