The National Association of Universities Students (NAUS), has called on the Federal Government to reverse the recent fuel price hike, warning that the increment is a recipe for disaster in Nigeria.
NUAS Vice-President, South West Tiamiyu Olayinka Principle, conveyed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, saying the fuel price increment was not just a numerical adjustment but has real-life consequences for millions of Nigerians.
Part of the statement read: “The recent fuel increment has sent shockwaves across the nation, exacerbating the existing economic hardship and plunging vulnerable populace into deeper despair.
“As representatives of the student constituency and the broader community, we cannot remain silent in the face of this devastating decision.
“The fuel price increment is not just a numerical adjustment; it has real-life consequences for millions of Nigerians. Students, already struggling to make ends meet, now face increased transportation costs, making it difficult to attend classes and access educational resources.
“This, coupled with higher food prices, exacerbates food insecurity and malnutrition. The ripple effect extends to small businesses, which struggle to absorb increased operational costs, leading to reduced economic opportunities and deepened poverty.
“The economic implications of this decision are far-reaching. The fuel price increment stifles economic growth, undermining the government’s efforts to revitalize the economy. Key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – the backbone of the economy – face increased production costs, threatening food security and competitiveness. Notably, the ripple effect of this increment is serving as a recipe to civil unrest that would make the recent 10 days protest a child’s play.
“Thus, to avoid break down of law and order, we urge the government to reconsider this decision, acknowledging the far-reaching consequences on education, economic growth, and social welfare.
“The fuel price increment undermines students’ access to education, already compromised by economic constraints. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and people living with disabilities, face intensified hardship,” he stated.
Comrade Principle, added that to mitigate the effects of the fuel price hike, NAUS has proposed suspension of the increment to alleviate immediate economic pressure.
“The government should engage stakeholders in constructive dialogue to explore alternative solutions, implement targeted subsidies for vulnerable populations, and invest in renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
“We appeal to the government’s compassion and commitment to the welfare of its citizens. Reconsidering the fuel increment will demonstrate a responsive and empathetic leadership, dedicated to mitigating hardship and promoting economic stability. The fuel increment is a recipe for disaster, exacerbating poverty, stifling economic growth, and undermining social welfare.
“We urge the government to reconsider this decision and engage with stakeholders to find alternative solutions that prioritize the well-being of Nigerians,” the students stated.
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