The National Association of Nigerian Students has appealed to stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to refrain from unnecessary hikes in fuel prices.
The association stated that this measure would help mitigate the current hardships faced by citizens.
The Senate President of NANS, Akinteye Babatunde and the President of NANS HQ, Lucky Emonefe, made the appeal in a statement released on Tuesday.
“We appeal to all stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to exhibit patriotism by refraining from unjustified price hikes. The long queues at fuel stations are a concern, and stakeholders should prioritize the well-being of citizens by maintaining fair prices.
“Their role is crucial in mitigating the current hardships and contributing positively to the nation’s stability,” the statement reads.
Last week, fuel scarcity resurfaced in Lagos state and other parts of the country as private depot owners hiked the ex-depot price of petrol from N630 to N720 per litre.
This coincided with deepening fuel scarcity in Abuja and adjoining states, where some filling stations dispensed PMS at prices as high as N900 per litre.
Petrol marketers, however, attributed the recent scarcity to supply challenges faced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the sole importer of the commodity.
As a result, marketers turned to depot owners to obtain petrol for their retail outlets, leading to a slight increase in prices across the country.
NANS also charged students in tertiary institutions across the country to disregard any negative propaganda against the current administration, saying the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu was the best decision in recent times.
It stated, “The removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands as one of the most commendable decisions in recent times. Historically, the subsidy has been a significant source of corruption, with certain individuals exploiting it for personal gain. The cessation of this practice has naturally met with resistance from those benefiting from the corruption. However, this bold move has already begun to yield positive outcomes for the nation.
“Following the removal of the fuel subsidy, allocations to state governments have notably increased. Additionally, the federal government has provided each state with bailout funds. It is imperative that citizens hold their state governments accountable, questioning how these funds and increased allocations are being utilized for the benefit of the populace.
“One significant achievement facilitated by the subsidy removal is the realisation of the NELFUND loan, demonstrating the government’s commitment to financial prudence and national development. Previously, Nigeria had to resort to borrowing to pay staff salaries. Now, post-subsidy removal, the country has been able to manage debt repayments and salary disbursements without external borrowing.”
NANS urged the public to hold their state governments accountable for the transparent and responsible use of the allocated funds.
It also called on the federal government to prioritise education and youth development.
“It is essential for Nigerians to direct their focus not only towards the federal government but also towards their state governments, ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of these funds.
“We appeal to the federal government to channel more of these funds towards education and youth development. Investing in these areas will ensure a brighter future for our country and empower the next generation to drive sustainable growth,” the statement concluded.