The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced that as from September 15, 2024, it plans to shut down all major cities in Nigeria in response to the recent fuel price increase.
On Tuesday, There was a sudden increase in the price of petrol from about ₦568 per liter to ₦855 per liter, and this has been implemented across NNPC filling stations.
The hike has generated a reaction nationwide, people and organized labour are demanding an immediate reversal of the new price.
Okunomo Henry Adewumi, President of the NANS Senate, in a statement on Wednesday, said the protest would be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law demanding an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike.
The statement reads in parts: “We write to notify you of an impending massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, effective 15th September 2024, in protest of the recent hike in fuel prices.
“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 mortgaged by the actions of a few.
“We call on all Nigerian students across the country to wake up to this clarion call, as we will be occupying all major cities on the 15th of September, 2024. We shall not be silenced, and we shall not be intimidated. We shall rise in unison to demand a better deal for Nigerian students and the masses.
“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”.
Meanwhile, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has strongly rejected the recent fuel price increase by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, calling on the Federal Government to urgently reverse the increase.
In a statement signed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, early Thursday, the caucus condemned the development, saying it was grossly insensitive to the harsh economic conditions being experienced by Nigerians.
Chinda warned that the fuel price hike will push more families into poverty, and erode the already fragile purchasing power of millions of citizens.
“The caucus was deeply concerned that the decision by the NNPC appears to have been made without adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly, which represents the interests of the people.
“The decision came at a time when the nation was grappling with unprecedented economic challenges, including rising inflation, unemployment, and the depreciating value of the Naira, warning that any further increase in the price of petrol would only exacerbate the suffering of the average Nigerian, the Minority leader said.
The caucus urged the federal government to stabilize the economy without placing an additional burden on the people by exploring and implementing more sustainable measures.
”The ripple effects of such an increase are far-reaching, impacting the cost of transportation, food, and other essential goods and services.
”This unilateral action disregards the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness, which should guide decisions affecting the lives of the citizenry.
”The current dire economic conditions, characterized by rising unemployment, soaring inflation, and widening inequality, have placed immense pressure on the livelihoods of citizens. These hardships have understandably triggered widespread protests, as people demand relief and accountability from those in power.
”The resulting unrest and chaos serve as stark reminders that economic instability can quickly escalate into broader social and political instability.
”While it is crucial for all stakeholders, including government, businesses, and civil society, to work collaboratively to address these economic challenges and restore stability before the situation deteriorates further, Tinubu’s government should as a matter of urgency address the connection between dire economic conditions and social unrest rather than create conditions that exacerbate the already dire economic conditions.
”Not doing so merely provides excuses for the army of youths who are jobless to return to occupy the streets and unleash violence on our country.
“This government must learn lessons from the destructive effects of the national protests against bad governance, triggered by depressing and excruciating economic conditions.
”We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and reverse this unwarranted increase in petrol prices. We also urge the government to explore and implement more sustainable measures to stabilize the economy without placing an additional burden on the people.
“This includes prioritizing the rehabilitation and upgrading of our local refineries, curbing corruption within the petroleum sector, and ensuring that subsidies genuinely benefit the masses rather than a few privileged individuals.
”The Minority Caucus stands with the Nigerian people in rejecting this petrol price hike and will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the welfare and well-being of all citizens.
“We urge the government to listen to the voice of the people and take immediate steps to alleviate their suffering, rather than aggravate it,” Chinda said.
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