NANS, which made the announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Deputy Senate President, Huzaifa Sabo Usman, said that the protest is aimed at drawing nationwide attention to the alleged misappropriation of 42,000 metric tons of food grains intended for the poor and vulnerable Nigerians by NEMA.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced a major protest to be held within the next 72 hours against alleged fraudulent diversion of food commodities meant for Nigerians by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
NANS, which made the announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Deputy Senate President, Huzaifa Sabo Usman, said that the protest is aimed at drawing nationwide attention to the alleged misappropriation of 42,000 metric tons of food grains intended for the poor and vulnerable Nigerians by NEMA.
According to Usman, on August 14, 2024, NANS submitted a Freedom of Information request to NEMA titled "Alleged Diversion of 42,000 Metric Tons of Grains".
But “In spite of NANS efforts to get to the bottom of the matter based on a complaint received across the States of the federation, there has been no satisfactory explanation regarding the whereabouts of the food supplies, which investigative reports and corroborations from several state governors confirm did not reach the intended recipients.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, through letter reference FMA/SGR/S/971/11/115 dated June 27, 2024, confirmed that the 42,000 metric tons of assorted food grains were released to NEMA as per the President's directive.
“However, evidence suggests that NEMA staff, in collusion with corrupt state government officials, have diverted these grains for personal aggrandizement, depriving countless Nigerians of essential food supplies,” Usman stated.
He said “The scale of this diversion suggests a deep seated corruption involving NEMA's Director General and her management team.
“This scandal mirrors previous cases of mismanagement that led to significant civil unrest, including the nationwide End Bad Governance protests.
“In light of these serious allegations, NANS demands an immediate and transparent accounting of how the 42,000 metric tons of food grains were distributed.”
Giving NEMA 72 hours ultimatum, Usman said, “If NEMA fails to provide a satisfactory response within 72 working hours, NANS will proceed with a massive protest at the NEMA headquarters to hold those responsible accountable.
“NANS calls on all students and the general public to support this cause and join us in our fight for justice and transparency.”