Removal Of Fuel Subsidy Will Shut Down The Country

Fuel Subsidy Removal Will Shut Down Nigeria | NANS Warns Federal Government

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong warning to the federal government over its plan to remove fuel subsidies in 2022, calling it a move that could cripple the country.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, NANS President Adedayo Asefon said the decision would “exponentially increase hardship” and that Nigerian students, alongside the masses, would rise against such economic pressure.

“Nigeria will be shut down over the removal of fuel subsidy if the Federal Government insists,” Asefon stated.

What Triggered the Reaction?

The outcry follows comments made by Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, who announced on Wednesday that the government plans to end the fuel subsidy in 2022.

As a cushion, the government proposed a ₦5,000 monthly transport grant for 40 million vulnerable Nigerians.

But NANS isn’t buying it.

NANS: Transport Grant Not a Solution

Describing the proposed transport grant as a hollow plan, Asefon said the idea lacks structure and credibility.

He accused the government of offering superficial solutions to a deep-rooted economic crisis.

“It is merely an attempt to add a new dimension of economic woes upon Nigerians through this removal of fuel subsidy,” he said.

NANS Demands Functional Refineries First

The student body insisted that before any attempt at subsidy removal, the government must show a sincere commitment to local refining by fixing the country’s four refineries.

“We have four refineries. Let the NNPC ensure they are functional first so we can determine the real cost of refining fuel locally,” Asefon stressed.

NANS emphasized that relying on the cost of imported refined petrol as a basis for setting domestic fuel prices is flawed and unfair to ordinary Nigerians.

What’s at Stake?

The fuel subsidy debate has long been a contentious issue in Nigeria.

While the government argues it’s unsustainable, critics say removing it without first stabilizing key infrastructure will deepen poverty and trigger nationwide unrest.

With student bodies like NANS already threatening nationwide protests, tensions around the policy shift are likely to escalate in the months ahead.