The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) announced on Monday that it will initially pursue dialogue with the Federal Government to address the recent increase in Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) prices.
The student body emphasized that a nationwide protest would be considered only as a last resort.
During a press briefing in Abuja, NANS Senate President Akinteye Babatunde stated that the association also demands the dismissal of underperforming ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
Babatunde urged the government to reconsider the student loan maintenance allowance, increasing it from N20,000 to N40,000 to help students cope with the rising cost of living.
Babatunde emphasized that dialogue is the primary approach, and NANS will seek constructive engagement with the government and stakeholders to address their grievances.
He acknowledged President Tinubu’s efforts to implement reforms but urged the administration to consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
Key demands made by NANS include:
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Phased implementation of policies to allow citizens to adapt to the changes
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Visible benefits for citizens amid the current hardship
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Dismissal of non-performing ministers
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Reduction of excessive government spending
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Increase in the student loan maintenance allowance from N20,000 to N40,000
NANS has resolved to take its demands directly to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Federal Government.
A 10-man committee representing all structures of NANS will engage with these bodies within the next week to present their demands, highlight possible solutions, and expedite efforts to secure a reduction in fuel prices and find tangible solutions to the challenges faced by students.
