NANS rejects Atiku’s plan to restore fuel subsidy

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's proposal to reinstate fuel subsidies if he secures the presidency in 2027, viewing it as a short-term political fix rather than a long-term solution to Nigeria's economic issues. NANS President Akinteye Babatunde emphasized in a recent statement that reinstating the subsidy without a structured plan would merely replicate the problems that led to its removal in the first place.

He argued that while the decision to scrap petrol subsidies in May 2023 led to increased costs across various sectors, the solution should be to wisely utilize the funds saved from the subsidy to address other pressing needs like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. NANS stressed that the focus should be on sustainable economic policies that benefit the nation in the long run, rather than offering temporary relief measures that may not solve the underlying challenges.

Atiku has defended his stance, advocating for relief for Nigerians grappling with rising living costs, but NANS urged him to reconsider and promote policies that tackle the fundamental economic weaknesses of the country.