The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to occupy major cities across Nigeria on September 15 if the government does not reverse the recent increase in fuel prices.
Henry Okuomo, the Senate President of NANS, made this declaration on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. He highlighted the severe hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly students, due to the hike in fuel prices, which saw the pump price surge from N568 to N897 per litre earlier this week.
Okuomo stated, “We are not threatening a strike. We are determined to take action because the current situation is untenable. Nigerians are suffering, and as student leaders, we must advocate for the people.”
He emphasized that with over 40 million Nigerian students across the country, their collective voice carries significant weight. Okuomo stressed that the planned protest will address not only the fuel price hike but also broader national issues affecting the populace.
“On September 15, we will take to the streets if the government does not address these pressing issues. This is not a drill; this is a serious action by a recognized body of Nigerian students,” he added.
Okuomo also pointed out the adverse effects of the fuel price increase on campus life, with transportation services disrupted and long queues at filling stations.
The protest plans come amid confusion within the student body. A faction led by Babatunde Akinteye denied organizing the protest and called for an investigation into the spread of misinformation regarding NANS’s stance. Akinteye urged security agencies to identify and hold accountable those spreading false claims that threaten national security.
Okuomo reaffirmed his position as the legitimate Senate President of NANS and stressed the unity and legitimacy of the organization’s planned protest actions.
