The National Association of Nigerian Students, on Saturday, concluded its 84th NANS National Senate sitting and called on the Federal Government to address the pressing operational challenges of the Dangote refinery to ameliorate the living conditions of Nigerians, especially the youth.
The Nigerian student body also stated that it would rather embrace dialogue with the government than join the proposed nationwide protest.
The NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, read the communiqué after the sitting, held at Assembly Hall, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in Oyo State. He commended the company for significantly enhancing the economic fortunes of the country by providing employment for young people in Nigeria.
He explained that the operation of the refinery at full capacity would bring immense benefits to the nation’s economy and create job opportunities.
Akinteye said, “The leadership of NANS, during its 84th National Senate sitting, ratified this decision, among others. We urgently appeal to the Federal Government to address any impasse caused by the pressing issue of the Dangote refinery.
“Among many other businesses in Nigeria, the company has done remarkably well in enhancing the economic fortunes of our dear country by providing employment for many young people, supporting the construction of critical infrastructure through its Corporate Social Responsibility, and other contributions to governance in Nigeria.
“In the same vein, resolving the impasse with the company and ensuring that the refinery operates at full capacity will bring immense benefits to our economy, such as reducing fuel costs, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and contributing to our country’s GDP.
“Resolving this operational conflict with the refinery will significantly alleviate the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, providing much-needed relief to the common man,
We are not oblivious to the current economic hardship in the country. It is crucial to still appreciate some of the efforts and achievements of the current government of President Tinubu in ameliorating the living conditions of Nigerians.
“While emphasising these achievements is not an attempt to be partisan or take sides with the current administration, we would like to clarify that the current economic challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria but a global phenomenon,” he explained.
