The National Association of Nigerian Students stated on Monday that it would first seek dialogue with the Federal Government regarding the recent hike in Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) prices.
The student body, noting that a nationwide protest would be its last resort, also called for the dismissal of non-performing ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
The NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja.
Speaking further, Akinteye also urged the government to increase the student loan maintenance allowance from N20,000 to N40,000 in light of the recent financial challenges.
According to him, this adjustment would help students cope with the rising cost of living and ensure they can continue their education without excessive financial hardship.
“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 contemplating taking to the streets.
“We acknowledge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts and those of his administration in implementing reforms aimed at steering the country towards 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 allow citizens the breathing space to adapt and survive.
“While we understand that the removal of the fuel subsidy 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.
“In addition, we urge the government to prioritise reducing 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.
“In light of the financial difficulties facing students, we also take this opportunity to appeal to the government to increase the student loan maintenance allowance from N20,000 to N40,000. This adjustment is essential to help students cope with the rising cost of living and ensure 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, 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 present our demands, highlight possible solutions, and expedite our efforts to secure a reduction in fuel prices and find tangible solutions to the challenges we face.”
