Threats of a nationwide protest were made by the National Association of Nigerian Students on Tuesday in the event that the government did not act to address the crises relating to the increase in fuel prices and widespread shortages of the local currency, the naira.
The national organization of students noted in a statement signed by the National Secretary General, Usman Kankia, that the two problems have caused serious financial difficulties and disrupted students’ daily lives.
The statement read, “The policy is negatively affecting students in areas of transportation, purchase of academic materials and the day-to-day activities of the students.
“We have it in good authoring that students are forced to sleep on an empty stomach for no fault of their own as they cannot cope with the long queue on the alter of their academic calling.”
The student body said it would mobilise students for a nationwide protest should the government fail to do the “needful”.
“The CBN’s new currency swap policy has caused widespread confusion and frustration, with students facing long lines at banks and difficulty in accessing their funds.
“The fuel scarcity crisis has further compounded these problems, leading to increased transportation costs and difficulties in accessing basic necessities,” the statement added.
NANS urges the CBN and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to address these problems as soon as possible or risk widespread student unrest.
Recall that the shortage of the naira and the increase in fuel prices have sparked protests in major cities all over the nation.
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