The National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES) expresses deep concern over the continuous surge in fuel prices across the country and the unbearable economic hardship being faced daily by millions of Nigerians, especially students and ordinary citizens struggling to survive under the current economic realities.
NANCES believes strongly that Nigeria, as one of the largest crude oil producing nations in the world, has no reason whatsoever to continue experiencing persistent fuel scarcity, unstable petroleum prices, and endless suffering associated with the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
It is unfortunate that despite our abundant crude oil resources, Nigerians are still subjected to untold hardship due to the rising cost of fuel, transportation, food items, and other essential commodities directly affected by petroleum price increases.
We therefore call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately prioritize national interest by strengthening and solidifying its partnership with Dangote Refinery for the benefit of all Nigerians.
The Dangote Refinery is a Nigerian investment established to serve Nigerians and strengthen the nation’s economic independence.
The refinery possesses the capacity to supply petroleum products consistently and reduce the nation’s dependence on importation.
There is therefore no justification for Nigerians to continue suffering from high fuel prices when local refining capacity now exists within our country.
NANCES specifically urges the Federal Government to:
1. Ensure uninterrupted supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery.
2. Sustain the crude-for-naira policy to protect Nigerians from the instability of foreign exchange fluctuations.
3. Reduce unnecessary bottlenecks affecting local refining and distribution.
4. Place the welfare of Nigerians above politics and private interests.
5. Create a sustainable pricing framework that will guarantee affordable fuel for citizens.
We maintain that crude oil produced in Nigeria should primarily work for Nigerians. Selling crude in naira to local refineries, especially Dangote Refinery, will help stabilize fuel prices, strengthen the naira, reduce pressure on foreign exchange, and provide long-term economic relief to citizens.
At a time when many nations without crude oil resources are battling energy crises, Nigeria should not be counted among countries lamenting over petroleum availability and affordability. We already possess what many countries desperately seek — abundant crude oil and a functioning mega refinery capable of meeting local demand.
The government must therefore act decisively and patriotically to ensure Nigerians begin to enjoy the direct benefits of the nation’s natural resources.
NANCES stands firmly with Nigerian students and citizens in demanding policies that will ease hardship, promote economic stability, and restore hope to the people.
Enough of the suffering.
Let Nigeria’s resources work for Nigerians.
Comrade Kur Isaac Ushahemba
President, NANCES
National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES)
