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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Former executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have urged Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu more time to address the country’s issues. They appealed to citizens to appreciate the president’s achievements over the past year, noting that rebuilding the country is not an overnight task.
They advised organisers of the planned protest, particularly student leaders, to engage in dialogue with the government rather than protesting. They warned that protests could be hijacked by those with ulterior motives.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, Tijani Kabiru (NANS President 1999/2000 and National Convener), Ambrose Obiora (NANS National Director of Sports 1996/1997 and Deputy National Convener), Ugolo Victory (former Vice President, Ex-Affairs), and George Uzor expressed concerns about the potential hijacking of the protest.
Acknowledging the reasons for the planned protest, the forum advised the government to strengthen security in rural and farming areas to ensure the safety of farmers, promoting increased agricultural production.
The forum also called on the government to involve independent monitoring groups to ensure transparency and accountability in intervention programmes. They suggested adopting policies to stabilise the naira, curb inflation, improve purchasing power, introduce a lease model for buses to improve public transportation, and implement subsidies for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce transportation and energy costs.
Reading a prepared statement, the group said: “Today, we stand before you as representatives of the Former NANS Leaders Forum, a collective of past leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), united by our love for Nigeria, deep concern for the state of our nation, and our aspiration for a better Nigeria.
“Following a resolution to review the state of the nation, a holistic appraisal was made, forming the basis for this maiden press conference. After much deliberation, we have convened to address the severe hardship and escalating tension gripping our country.
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“The rising inflation, widespread unemployment, and economic instability are taking a heavy toll on the lives of everyday Nigerians, leading to increasing distress and uncertainty about the future.”
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The group praised President Tinubu for his achievements over the past year.
“Today, we aim to share our insights, express our collective concerns, and offer actionable recommendations to help alleviate the hardships faced by our fellow citizens. We believe that through dialogue and concerted efforts, we can navigate these challenging times and work towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.
“The removal of fuel subsidies, which had long been a drain on government finances, led to an immediate increase in fuel prices, causing a ripple effect on the cost of transportation and goods. This unpleasant experience has witnessed significant public discontent.
“The exchange rate unification aimed at curbing corruption and enhancing transparency in the forex market has resulted in a sharp devaluation of the naira, increasing import costs and inflation, and exacerbating poverty and inequality.
“The Students’ Loan programme is laudable, and we applaud President Bola Tinubu for the policy. The loan policy is expected to ensure that students from less privileged backgrounds can access higher education without the burden of immediate financial constraints. We believe that the policy will reduce dropout rates and, in the long term, increase our innovative and productive workforce.
“The temporary removal of import duties on essential food items aimed at reducing the cost of these goods, thereby making them more affordable for the average Nigerian, is welcomed.
“The administration’s initiative to distribute rice aimed at providing immediate relief to households struggling with food insecurity due to rising inflation and economic hardships is a welcome development, though it is a short-term alleviation measure.”
The group commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the government for resolving the issue of the new minimum wage, urging the states and the private sector to comply.
However, they noted the need for policies specifically addressing high inflation rates. These could include measures to stabilise the naira, control food prices, and subsidise essential goods temporarily to ease the burden on the population.
According to them, huge investment in infrastructure is crucial for supporting economic diversification. Improved roads, adequate power supply, and security are needed to boost agricultural yield and industrialisation, leading to sustainable economic growth and development.
