JUST IN: Mass Protests Looms As NANS Gives Tinubu 14-day Ultimatum Over Costs Of Living, Hardship
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given President Bola Tinubu a 14-day ultimatum to implement concrete measures to tackle the rising cost of living crisis in the country.
The students’ body which lamented the hardships faced by Nigerians warned that failure to come out with implementable policies that would address the high cost of living within the 14 days, it would have no option than to mobile for mass protests.
NANS Southwest Zone D, gave the ultimatum on Monday, at a media briefing in Osogbo, the Osun State capital while address the escalating challenges regarding the cost of living experienced by Nigerians.
NANS which expressed its deep concern over the hardships faced by citizens, regretted that Nigeria had been grappling with a myriad of economic challenges including; inflation, unemployment, and a weakening currency, which have significantly contributed to the rising cost of living across the nation.
“The impact of these economic pressures has been particularly severe on the average Nigerian, making it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare.”
Highlighting several pressing issues related to the cost of living crisis, the association emphasized that the unbearable economic hardship faced as a result of the soaring cost of living can be addressed if the political leaders take the interest of the masses to their heart. “Many families are struggling to make ends meet, with stagnant wages and rising prices pushing them further into poverty.
“NANS Southwest Zone D issued a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and address the worsening situation. As the leader of the nation, President Tinubu is urged to prioritide the welfare of Nigerian citizens and take decisive action to alleviate their suffering.
“The association is hereby issued a 14-day ultimatum for President Tinubu to respond to our demands and implement concrete measures to tackle the cost of living crisis. Failure to do so would result in mass protests. NANS Southwest Zone D is going to mobilize students and citizens to take to the streets in large numbers.”
The students body, however, appealed to relevant stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, and civil society organizations, to join hands in addressing the urgent needs of the Nigerian people. “There is urgent need for swift and decisive action to mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis and restore hope and dignity to millions of struggling Nigerians.”
With a clear ultimatum issued to President Tinubu and a commitment to mobilise mass protests if necessary, the association has signalled its determination to hold government accountable and advocate for the welfare of the Nigerian people. “It is now incumbent upon the authorities to heed these calls and take meaningful steps to alleviate the suffering of the populace.
The media briefing was conducted by Coordinator of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Secretary General Southwest, Comrades Alao John and Sanni Sulaimon Olamide respectively.