The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to take immediate steps to address the worsening hunger and economic challenges confronting millions of Nigerians.
In a statement released on Saturday by Abdulyekinn Odunayo, Clerk of the Senate at NANS headquarters, the association expressed deep concern over the impact of recent government policies on the populace, particularly students and their families.
Odunayo criticized the simultaneous removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, citing these policies as key drivers of Nigeria’s escalating economic crisis. According to him, these measures, while perhaps intended for reform, have severely worsened the cost of living.
“The dual swords of Damocles of fuel subsidy removal and the float of the naira have stabbed Nigerians at their hearts,” the statement read. “Many families can no longer feed even once a day, let alone three times.”
The association emphasized the harsh impact of the economic downturn on students, many of whom have been forced to suspend their education due to their families’ inability to meet basic needs. The depreciation of the naira, coupled with skyrocketing inflation, has made essential commodities increasingly unaffordable.
NANS expressed disappointment that Nigerians, who had hoped for respite after the hardships of the previous administration, are now grappling with even more severe economic challenges under the Tinubu government.
The student body called on the president to implement policies that would provide immediate relief to struggling citizens while laying the foundation for sustainable economic recovery.
“There is an urgent need by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to put measures in place to arrest hunger, poverty, and the ongoing impoverishment in the country,” Odunayo said.
The statement urged the government to develop a comprehensive strategy that includes short-term relief measures, medium-term stabilization efforts, and long-term economic solutions to ensure Nigerians can meet their basic needs and afford education.
NANS warned that without swift and effective action, the economic crisis could worsen, leaving more Nigerians unable to survive or pursue education. “As representatives of Nigerian students, we are making a passionate call on the president to tailor and rev up his economic policies to provide reliefs at all levels,” the statement concluded.
The call reflects the growing frustration among citizens and students as they await decisive government action to ease the economic strain.
