The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans for a large-scale shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, set to commence on September 15, 2024.
This protest is a reaction to the recent increase in fuel prices and the perceived ineffectiveness of the NNPC Director General, Mele Kyari.
The students’ union is calling for an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Mele Kyari from his position at the NNPC.
According to the announcement, students across Nigeria will occupy all major cities on September 15, 2024. They have pledged that the demonstration will be peaceful and within legal bounds, provided their demands are not met by the NNPC authorities.
Notifications regarding this planned shutdown have been sent to various security agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Chief of Defence Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all State Governors.
A circular detailing the shutdown reads: “We wish to inform you of a forthcoming large-scale shutdown of major cities across Nigeria, effective September 15, 2024. This action is in response to the recent fuel price increase and the evident incompetence of NNPC Director General, Mele Kyari.
“The continuous rise in fuel prices has inflicted severe hardship on the general public, and we can no longer remain passive while our future is compromised by the actions of a few individuals. We demand an immediate reversal of the fuel price increase and the dismissal of Mr. Kyari as NNPC DG.
“We urge all Nigerian students nationwide to respond to this call to action. We will be occupying all major cities on September 15, 2024, and we are determined not to be silenced or intimidated. We will unite to demand better conditions for Nigerian students and the general populace.
“We request that appropriate measures be taken to maintain order during the shutdown, and we assure you that our protest will be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner.”