The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, threatened to mobilise its members to join a nationwide protest over the recently increased fuel pump prices.
The association also urged the Federal Government to immediately reverse the new petrol pump price, as things are no longer bearable for Nigerians.
The National President of the association, Lucky Emonefe, in an interview in Abuja warned that very soon, the masses would not be able to adjust to the hardship majorly caused by the decisions of the government.
Recall that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd)on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, approved an upward review of petrol pump price from N568 -N617 per litre to N855 – N897 per litre, depending on the location of their stations.
The NNPC retail stations adjusted their pumps and totems (price boards), reflecting the new price of N897 as against N617 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory.
The independent marketers had also adjusted their pumps, as they were now selling between N930 and N1,200.
However, in his reaction, Mr Emonefe said, “We appeal to the government to rescind its decision because it will get to a time when people can no longer bear the sufferings.
“The national protest that took place in August, we decided not to come out and be part of it, because we hoped that things would get better.
“If things do not get better, we will have no choice but to mobilise our members to join the protest, if it erupts,’’ he said.
Emonefe added: “Government must come out and tell us what is responsible for this recent hike. We need to know.
“If the government cannot help the situation, then we should go back to the subsidy regime,” he said.
The NANS president said the fuel hike would further worsen the high cost of living in the country if it was not promptly addressed by the government.
