On Wednesday, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) called for the removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, citing his “incompetence” and “conflict of interest” related to the Dangote Refinery and fuel racketeering issues.
NANS also demanded an immediate reduction in petrol prices and warned of a potential strike if the Federal Government fails to meet these demands.
These statements were made during NANS’s 74th Senate session in Kano, where the organization also addressed concerns about rising tuition fees in tertiary institutions following the introduction of a new student loan program.
In a statement signed by Senate President Okunomo Adewumi, NANS expressed deep concern over the nation’s economic conditions, which they believe have led to significant hardship for Nigerians.
The organization called on the government to lower petrol prices promptly or face street protests. They also demanded Kyari’s removal due to his alleged mishandling of the Dangote refinery and involvement in fuel racketeering.
Furthermore, NANS requested that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) take urgent steps to stabilize the naira-dollar exchange rate, aiming to bring it down to N600 per dollar within 30 days, or face calls for the CBN Governor’s dismissal.
While acknowledging the public’s frustration, NANS urged its members to remain patient and await the government’s response. They emphasized that while they support peaceful protests, they will not tolerate any efforts to undermine these movements.
NANS has also directed its President, Comrade Pedro Obi, to consult with relevant stakeholders and Student Union Governments nationwide by July 31, 2024, to decide on participation in the planned nationwide protest.
Additionally, NANS warned tertiary institutions against increasing tuition fees under the student loan scheme, stating that any such actions would be met with strong resistance and protests from the student body.
