Abuja, Nigeria – The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) announced on Monday that it will initially pursue dialogue with the Federal Government over the recent increase in Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) prices. The student body emphasized that nationwide protests would only be considered as a last resort.

NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, outlined the association’s strategy during a press briefing in Abuja. He stressed the importance of constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders before resorting to public demonstrations.

“Our first step will be to seek dialogue with the Federal Government and relevant authorities to address the recent fuel price hike,” Babatunde stated. “We believe that protests should only be used as a last option after exhausting all channels of negotiation.”

In addition to seeking dialogue, NANS has called for the dismissal of non-performing ministers within President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. Babatunde criticized several ministries for their perceived inaction and lack of communication with the public, advocating for a more dynamic and accountable government.

“We acknowledge the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration in implementing reforms aimed at national growth,” Babatunde said. “However, we urge that these reforms be implemented in phases to give citizens time to adapt. We also request visible benefits from these policies amidst the current economic hardships.”

The student body has also called for an increase in the student loan maintenance allowance from N20,000 to N40,000. This adjustment is seen as necessary to help students manage the rising cost of living and ensure they can continue their education without excessive financial strain.

NANS has decided to form a 10-man committee to represent all its structures and engage with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NMDPRA), and the Federal Government within the next week. The committee’s goal is to present their demands, propose solutions, and work towards reducing fuel prices while addressing the broader financial challenges facing students.

“We are committed to due process and constructive engagement,” Babatunde added. “Our objective is to find tangible solutions to our challenges and ensure that our concerns are heard and addressed by the government.”