The Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Babatunde Akinteye, has expressed grave concerns over the current fuel scarcity plaguing the country.
In a statement released on Monday, Akinteye highlighted the frustration and helplessness experienced by many citizens, including students, due to the fuel shortage.
NANS has issued a stern warning, stating that if the Nigerian government fails to promptly address the fuel crisis, they will mobilize their members for mass action.
The students’ body has specifically called on the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr Mele Kyari, to step down if he cannot take decisive actions to resolve the crisis.
Despite assurances from the NNPCL that the logistical issues causing the scarcity had been resolved, fuel scarcity persists across the nation. Many filling stations remain closed, exacerbating the situation.
Some stations that are open are selling fuel at exorbitant prices, between N700 and N800 per litre, while black marketers are exploiting the crisis by selling at even higher prices, reaching N1000 per litre or more.
The fuel scarcity has led to a surge in transport fares, further burdening the citizens. Akinteye emphasized that students are facing unprecedented challenges due to the hike in fuel prices and the scarcity of the product.
Demanding immediate action, Akinteye urged the NNPCL to resolve the fuel crisis and restore stability. He stated that if the situation persists, students would take to the streets in protest.
Akinteye emphasized the dire consequences of the fuel crisis, including unreliable electricity supply, soaring prices, and paralyzed essential services.
He demanded transparency and accountability from the NNPCL in providing information about the state of fuel supply and distribution.
Furthermore, Akinteye insisted that the NNPCL must improve infrastructure and logistics to ensure the efficient distribution of fuel across the country.
He called for prompt addressing of bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the supply chain.
Akinteye also stressed the importance of engaging stakeholders, including student representatives, to understand the impact of the fuel crisis and collaborate on solutions.
If Mele Kyari fails to take decisive action, Akinteye called for his resignation or removal from office, stating that Nigerian students cannot afford to suffer any longer under ineffective leadership.
Akinteye emphasized that it was time for the NNPCL to prioritize the well-being of the Nigerian people and fulfill its mandate. If the NNPCL fails to act swiftly and decisively to address the fuel crisis, Nigerian students are prepared to take mass action.
