The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced a planned shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, set to begin on September 15, 2024.
The protest is a reaction to the recent increase in fuel prices and what the students described as the incompetence of Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The students’ union was demanding an immediate reversal of the fuel price increase and the removal of Mr. Kyari from his position as NNPC boss.
A press statement signed by NANS Senate President, Okunomo Henry Adewumi, indicated that the protest will be peaceful and lawful.
The notification has been sent to various security agencies, including the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all State Governors.
A circular detailing the shutdown read: “We write to notify you of an impending massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, effective September 15, 2024, in protest of the recent hike in fuel prices and the gross incompetence of the NNPC Director General, Mele Kyari.
“The incessant increase in fuel prices has brought untold hardship to the masses, and we can no longer stand idly by while our future is compromised by the actions of a few. We demand an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Mr. Kyari as the NNPC DG.
“We call on all Nigerian students across the country to heed this call, as we will be occupying all major cities on September 15, 2024. We shall not be silenced or intimidated. We will unite to demand better conditions for Nigerian students and the general populace.
“We urge you to take necessary measures to maintain law and order during the shutdown, as we assure you that our protest will be peaceful and lawful.”