The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans for a significant nationwide protest aimed at shutting down all major cities in Nigeria, starting on September 15, 2024. This action is in response to a recent increase in fuel prices and dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Director General, Mele Kyari.
In their official notification, NANS calls for an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Kyari from his position. The student union insists that the continual rise in fuel prices has inflicted severe hardship on the Nigerian populace, stating, “We can no longer stand idly by while our future is mortgaged by the actions of a few.”
The planned protests aim to mobilize students across the country to peacefully occupy all major urban centers. In their circular, the union appealed for unity among students, emphasizing that they will not be silenced or intimidated in their quest for justice.
NANS has also reached out to various security agencies—including the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Chief of Defence Staff, and all State Governors—advising them of the planned demonstrations and urging them to take necessary measures to maintain law and order during the protests. “We assure you that our protest will be peaceful and lawful,” the statement concluded.
As anticipation builds for the September 15 demonstrations, students are preparing to rally for their cause, demanding more equitable treatment for the Nigerian masses amid rising living costs.