NANS to Tinubu: Seek solutions beyond party lines to address economic crisis

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek assistance from beyond his cabinet and party to tackle the worsening socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.

The student body urged the President to collaborate with experts, even those from opposition parties, to address the mounting hardship affecting millions of Nigerians.

In a statement released from Abeokuta, Ogun State, and signed by the Clerk of the Senate at NANS Headquarters, Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, NANS expressed deep concern over the administration’s perceived inability to resolve the economic crises plaguing the nation. The association highlighted the devastating impact of inflation, the weakening naira, and soaring food prices on ordinary citizens, particularly students.

“The economic situation is dire, and Nigerians are hungry and angry,” Odunayo said. “Students are also feeling the effects of this hardship. We urge the President not just to think outside the box but to consult anyone who has viable solutions, regardless of their political affiliation, to save the country from economic depression.”

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NANS painted a grim picture of the country’s economic realities, stating that the government’s current strategies to alleviate the hardships are insufficient. While acknowledging some measures have been taken, the student body argued that their effectiveness is being drowned out by the high cost of petroleum products, inflation, and escalating food prices.

“The measures being implemented to alleviate the hardship are being overshadowed by these escalating costs,” Odunayo remarked. “The government must look beyond party lines to address these challenges urgently.”

The statement criticized the government’s palliative programs, describing them as inadequate and disconnected from the realities on the ground. Odunayo emphasized that token relief efforts, such as distributing food items, were far from enough to ease the suffering of Nigerians.

NANS urged President Tinubu to embrace a more inclusive approach to governance by consulting widely and leveraging expertise from all political spectrums. Odunayo stressed that addressing the nation’s economic woes requires collaboration across party lines.

“Nothing is stopping Mr. President from consulting the experts in opposition parties for solutions to the harsh and suffocating economic situation in Nigeria,” he said. “The situation is becoming more precarious by the day, and it seems the government is struggling to find solutions to the growing challenges.”

The student body warned that young Nigerians, particularly students, are disproportionately bearing the brunt of the economic downturn. Rising school fees, unaffordable transportation, and limited access to basic amenities have left many students in dire straits.

NANS urged the President to prioritize urgent, impactful interventions that address the core issues driving inflation and poverty.

“Students across the country are severely affected by the economic downturn,” the statement read. “We urge the President to consult widely and implement practical solutions to revive the economy and prevent further despair.”

Concluding the statement, NANS called for a united effort to address the nation’s challenges. Odunayo reiterated that leadership requires humility and collaboration, urging President Tinubu to engage capable individuals from all backgrounds to secure Nigeria’s recovery.

“The time for partisan politics is over. Now is the time for collective action to save Nigeria,” he said. “Let us prioritize the welfare of Nigerians and the stability of our nation above all else.”

The association emphasized that a more inclusive, solution-focused approach is critical to restoring hope and ensuring economic stability for all Nigerians.

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