The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced a massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, slated for September 15, 2024.
The protest is in direct response to the recent hike in fuel prices and what NANS describes as the gross incompetence of Mele Kyari, the Director General of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
In a strongly worded circular released today, NANS demanded the immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and called for the removal of Mr. Kyari from his position.
The student body has emphasized that they will occupy major cities across the country if these demands are not met, assuring that the protests will remain peaceful and lawful.
The circular, which has been distributed to various security agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Chief of Defence Staff, and all State Governors, outlines the reasons for the planned protest.
NANS stated, “The incessant increase in fuel prices has brought untold hardship to the masses, and we can no longer stand idly by while our future is mortgaged by the actions of a few. We demand an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Mr. Kyari as the NNPC DG.”
The association is rallying all Nigerian students to join the protest, urging them to “wake up to this clarion call” and take a stand for their future and that of the masses.
The circular concludes with a call for law enforcement to maintain order during the shutdown, as NANS vows to keep the protests peaceful.
This announcement marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dissatisfaction with the federal government’s management of fuel prices, and the outcome of this planned shutdown could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political and economic landscape.
As the September 15 date approaches, all eyes will be on the NNPC and the federal government’s response to NANS’ demands.