NANS contests NLC’s proposed protest over telecom tariff hike
By Jeffrey Agbo
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its opposition to the planned protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
The labour union plans to embark on a protest on February 4 over the recent hike in voice calls and data plan prices.
According to NANS, the protest may not address the pressing issues affecting Nigerian students such as poor funding of education, inadequate infrastructure and insecurity.
This was contained in a press briefing addressed by the Director of Campus Watch Zone of NANS, Tabitha Babayo, and Mu’azu Hina Vice President of NANS external affairs in Gombe State.
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The group’s statement partly read, “The NLC protest may not be well-thought-out, and may not achieve its intended objectives.
“As students, we are committed to peaceful and constructive engagement, and we believe that there are better ways to address the issues facing Nigerians than through protests.”
Instead, NANS is calling on the federal government to take immediate action to repair the dilapidated roads in the North East region, particularly the Numan-Yola-Gombe Road, which has become a death trap, claiming the lives of many students.
“The poor state of roads in the North East region is not only a safety concern but also a major obstacle to economic development. We demand that the authorities prioritise the repair of these roads and ensure that they are safe for use,” the group added.
NANS also urged the federal government to provide adequate funding for the repair and maintenance of roads in the North East region and to work with state governors and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for addressing the infrastructure challenges facing the region.
“We are confident that with collective effort and determination, we can make a difference and ensure that the people of the North East region are able to live in safety and dignity,” the statement added.
