The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced a planned shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, set to begin on September 15, 2024.
The protest is a reaction to the recent increase in fuel prices and what the students described as the incompetence of Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The students’ union was demanding an immediate reversal of the fuel price increase and the removal of Mr. Kyari from his position as NNPC boss.
A press statement signed by NANS Senate President, Okunomo Henry Adewumi, indicated that the protest will be peaceful and lawful.
Furthermore, the notification has been sent to various security agencies, including the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all State Governors.
A circular detailing the shutdown read: “We write to notify you of an impending massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, effective September 15, 2024, in protest of the recent hike in fuel prices and the gross incompetence of the NNPC Director General, Mele Kyari.
“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 compromised 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.
“We call on all Nigerian students across the country to heed this call, as we will be occupying all major cities on September 15, 2024. He emphasised, “We shall not be silenced or intimidated. We will unite to demand better conditions for Nigerian students and the general populace.
“We urge you to take necessary measures to maintain law and order during the shutdown, as we assure you that our protest will be peaceful and lawful.”
NANS faction dismisses planned nationwide protest
Meanwhile, a faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has dismissed an announcement that the group is planning a massive shutdown of major cities across the country to protest the hike in fuel pump price.
The protest notice was dismissed in a statement signed by NANS Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, on Wednesday.
It read, “The leadership of NANS has been made aware of rumours and misinformation circulating across various platforms, suggesting that NANS is planning a massive shutdown of major cities across the country.
“We wish to categorically state that NANS has not announced or endorsed any such protest. These reports are entirely baseless and do not reflect the position or intentions of our organization.
“As the umbrella body representing the interests of Nigerian students, we have always been committed to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders.
“We understand the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability in our nation, especially during these challenging times. Any actions that could lead to civil unrest or the disruption of public order are not, and will never be, supported by NANS.
“We strongly urge the public, the media, and all stakeholders to disregard these false reports.
“The individuals or groups behind these rumours are faceless entities who seek to exploit the name of NANS for their own malicious purposes. Their aim is clear: to destabilize the country and create unnecessary tension among citizens. We categorically disassociate ourselves from any such plans or intentions.”
