NANS Warns Nigerian Youths Against Politicians’ Push to Restore Fuel Subsidy

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to reject political campaigns advocating a return to the petrol subsidy regime, describing the policy as financially unsustainable. The students’ body said the current debate should instead focus on how funds saved from subsidy removal can be properly managed for the benefit of citizens.

NANS President, Babatunde Akinteye, made the position known on Tuesday in Akure, Ondo State, while speaking at a youth summit themed “Unlocking Ondo State Students’ Potentials for Economic Growth.” The event was sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Akinteye argued that Nigeria had operated the fuel subsidy system for roughly four decades without achieving a sustainable solution to the country’s petroleum-sector challenges. He maintained that successive governments had struggled with the enormous financial obligations associated with keeping the scheme running.

His comments come amid renewed political debate over fuel subsidy ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly following former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore a targeted subsidy if elected president. NANS had earlier criticised the proposal, describing a return to the old system without a structural framework as an inadequate response to Nigeria’s economic problems.

The students’ leader acknowledged that the removal of subsidy had imposed substantial hardship on Nigerians, especially through increased petrol, transportation and food costs. However, he argued that economic difficulties should not automatically lead the country back to a system that placed heavy demands on government finances.

According to Akinteye, Nigerians should instead demand transparency and accountability over the resources released by the subsidy reform. He urged citizens to scrutinise political candidates and insist that anyone proposing subsidy restoration should clearly explain where the money required to sustain the programme would come from.

NANS also raised concerns about the consequences of the former subsidy regime, arguing that Nigerians continued to experience fuel shortages even when the government was committing substantial resources to subsidy payments. The association maintained that such a system should not simply be revived without addressing the structural weaknesses that contributed to its failure.

The NANS president further argued that previous administrations sometimes relied on borrowing to finance recurrent obligations, including subsidy payments and workers’ salaries. He said Nigeria should avoid returning to such a pattern and instead ensure that borrowing is channelled towards clearly defined capital projects.

Akinteye also pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an example of an intervention that has provided support to students. He said young Nigerians should demand more sustainable policies capable of improving education, employment opportunities, productivity and their overall economic prospects.

The controversy over subsidy restoration is expected to remain a major issue as political activities intensify ahead of 2027. While proponents of a targeted subsidy argue that it could cushion the impact of high fuel prices on households and businesses, NANS insists that politicians should present credible plans for financing such a policy rather than making promises aimed at exploiting public frustration.

For the students’ body, the priority should be ensuring that savings generated by subsidy removal are transparently invested in projects and programmes that improve Nigerians’ lives. NANS has therefore called on youths to look beyond short-term political promises and demand economically sustainable solutions from anyone seeking their support in the forthcoming elections.