The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for exacerbating the nation’s petroleum problems rather than alleviating them.
The student body has highlighted that the removal of fuel subsidies has led to scarcity and severe hardships for Nigerians.
Reports indicate a significant hike in petrol prices across the country. While major marketers are selling petrol below ₦650 per litre, independent marketers are charging between ₦750 and ₦800 per litre. This disparity has contributed to widespread dissatisfaction and distress among citizens.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abeokuta, the NANS National Clerk of the Senate, Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, expressed alarm over the persistent queues at petrol stations despite President Tinubu’s promises that the removal of fuel subsidies would eliminate such issues.
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Odunayo noted that the crisis continues unabated, causing unprecedented hardship for Nigerians who struggle to purchase fuel.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy has brought untold hardships to Nigerians,” said Odunayo. “Nigerians are experiencing unprecedented hardship and going through hell before they can buy fuel. Queues have become a common sight at petrol stations across the country, despite President Tinubu’s promise that fuel queues would disappear.”
The student body also highlighted the wider economic impact of the fuel crisis. The exorbitant cost of petrol has led to a sharp increase in transportation fares and a surge in the prices of essential goods and services. This increase in transportation and production costs is being passed on to consumers, further exacerbating the already high cost of living.
NANS has called on President Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to take swift and decisive action to address the crisis before Nigerians reach a breaking point.
