The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its willingness to engage with President Bola Tinubu over the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
This was disclosed by NANS Secretary, David Bariereka, during an interview with Channels Television in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Bariereka revealed that NANS is currently in discussions with key stakeholders in the petroleum industry, including businessman Aliko Dangote, oil marketers, and the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), as part of efforts to ease the burden the fuel price hike has placed on the public.
“We are engaging relevant stakeholders and if necessary, we are ready to meet with the President to find a lasting solution,” Bariereka said.
This comes in the wake of NANS’ plans for a nationwide protest on September 15, 2024, against the price increase. The student body had previously announced its intention to take to the streets to demand a reversal of the hike, citing the growing hardship it has inflicted on Nigerians, especially students.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’, NANS Senate President, Henry Okuomo, expressed the union’s dissatisfaction with the current economic situation, vowing to hold the government accountable.
“We are not threatening a strike; we are going to take action. The hardship in the country is unbearable, and as student leaders, we have to fight for the people,” Okuomo stated.
He added that NANS represents over 40 million Nigerian students and has a significant voice in the nation’s affairs. The protest, he said, would not only address the fuel price hike but also other policies contributing to the economic hardship.
However, in a new development, Bariereka urged students across the country to disregard calls for immediate protests, noting that the association has not yet begun mobilizing for demonstrations.
He emphasized that NANS is committed to exploring all avenues of negotiation before resorting to protests.
“We want to exhaust every possible dialogue before we take to the streets. We understand the hardship caused by the fuel price hike, but we urge calm while we continue our engagements,” Bariereka said.
He also highlighted the success of NANS’ recent agitation against the electricity tariff hike for Band A users, which led to the appointment of a committee by the president to explore solar energy options for Nigerian universities.
Bariereka reassured Nigerian students that the association remains dedicated to advocating for their fair treatment and urged them to await clear directives from the NANS national secretariat regarding the next steps.