The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans for a large-scale protest within the next 72 hours in response to what it describes as the fraudulent diversion of food commodities by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The protest is aimed at drawing nationwide attention to the alleged misappropriation of 42,000 metric tons of food grains meant for the poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by NANS Deputy Senate President, Huzaifa Sabo Usman. The statement highlights the association’s concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the distribution of the food supplies, which were intended to alleviate hunger among Nigeria’s most disadvantaged citizens.
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According to Usman, NANS had previously submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to NEMA on August 14, 2024, titled “Alleged Diversion of 42,000 Metric Tons of Grains.” This request was based on complaints received from across the country about the missing food supplies. However, despite NANS’s efforts to obtain clarity on the issue, the agency has not provided a satisfactory explanation regarding the whereabouts of the grains.
“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,” Usman stated. “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.”
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NANS expressed deep concern over what it described as “deep-seated corruption involving NEMA’s Director General and her management team,” comparing the scandal to previous cases of mismanagement that led to significant civil unrest, such as the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
In light of these serious allegations, NANS has demanded an immediate and transparent accounting of how the 42,000 metric tons of food grains were distributed. The association has given NEMA a 72-hour ultimatum to provide a satisfactory response. If the agency fails to do so, NANS plans to proceed with a massive protest at NEMA’s 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,” Usman concluded.