NANS rejects Atiku’s fuel subsidy plan, demands accountability for savings

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has rejected calls to restore Nigeria’s fuel subsidy, urging Nigerians, particularly young people, to focus instead on how the money saved from subsidy removal is being utilised.

NANS National President, Babatunde Akinteye, said Nigeria should not return to a system that successive administrations struggled to sustain, arguing that the priority should be ensuring that resources freed by the reform are transparently invested in programmes that improve the lives of Nigerians.

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

The NANS president said Nigeria had operated the fuel subsidy regime for about four decades, but the policy failed to eliminate problems such as fuel scarcity and placed a significant financial burden on government.

He urged Nigerians to demand greater accountability over the resources saved from the removal of the subsidy rather than supporting proposals to restore the previous arrangement.

Akinteye said the focus should be on monitoring the money saved from subsidy removal and ensuring that it is channelled into projects and programmes that benefit Nigerians rather than returning to a system where public resources could be diverted.

He argued that Nigeria should learn from the experience of the subsidy era, when government spent heavily on petrol support while Nigerians still experienced periods of fuel scarcity.

According to him, restoring the subsidy without addressing the structural weaknesses associated with the old system could expose the country to renewed fiscal pressure.

Akinteye also warned against returning to a situation in which governments borrowed to finance recurrent expenditure, including subsidy payments.

He acknowledged that the removal of the subsidy had imposed considerable hardship on Nigerians, particularly through increased petrol prices, transportation costs and living expenses, but argued that reversing the policy was not necessarily the solution.

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Instead, he called for the savings from the reform to be directed towards education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and other productive sectors capable of improving living conditions.

The NANS leader cited interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as examples of programmes that could provide meaningful support to young Nigerians when properly funded and managed.

He further urged political aspirants ahead of the 2027 presidential election to present clear and sustainable economic policies rather than making promises that offer immediate relief without explaining how such programmes would be financed.

The NANS position comes amid an intensifying political dispute over fuel subsidy restoration involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku has proposed a new form of government intervention in the petroleum sector if elected in 2027. His camp has argued that the proposal is different from Nigeria’s former import-subsidy system.

Under the proposed model, government intervention would be targeted, capped, transparently budgeted and independently audited, with the stated objective of reducing energy costs while supporting domestic production and refining.

Atiku’s camp has also clarified that the proposal is not intended to simply recreate the old subsidy structure. His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the plan was designed around domestic production and would seek to reduce production and transportation costs while providing relief to consumers.

The clarification followed comments suggesting that an Atiku administration could restore the subsidy before eventually removing it. His camp rejected that interpretation and maintained that the proposal was not a return to the previous import-subsidy arrangement.

Despite the clarification, the proposal has continued to generate strong political reactions.

The APC has criticised Atiku’s position, arguing that restoring fuel subsidies could reverse the fiscal gains associated with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda warned that a return to the old subsidy system could put pressure on government finances and affect spending on workers’ wages, education, infrastructure and other public programmes.

The ruling party has also maintained that the previous subsidy arrangement contributed to fiscal distortions and placed an unsustainable burden on government finances.

The ADC, however, has rejected the APC and Federal Government’s position, insisting that Atiku’s proposed petroleum intervention is financially sustainable and fundamentally different from the previous subsidy regime.

The opposition party has also demanded greater transparency over the additional revenue generated since the implementation of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, arguing that Nigerians deserve to know how the funds have been utilised.

Atiku has continued to frame the debate around the rising cost of living, arguing that Nigerians need practical measures to reduce energy and transportation costs.

The former vice president has criticised the Federal Government over the high cost of petrol and the wider economic hardship being experienced by households across the country.

The debate has therefore increasingly shifted from a simple question of whether to restore or remove subsidy to the broader issue of what form of government intervention, if any, can lower energy costs without recreating the weaknesses associated with the previous system.

Other political figures have also called for a different approach.

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Suleiman Dikwa, has urged the Federal Government to move beyond the subsidy argument and concentrate on investments that create jobs, generate foreign exchange and strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.

For NANS, however, the priority remains ensuring that the benefits of subsidy removal are translated into tangible improvements for citizens.

Akinteye maintained that Nigerians, particularly students and young people, should scrutinise the economic plans of political aspirants and demand details on how proposed policies would be funded.

He said politicians seeking votes in 2027 should not simply promise cheaper petrol but should explain how their proposed interventions would remain financially sustainable and benefit the wider population.

The fuel subsidy debate is expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as Nigerians continue to grapple with high transportation costs, food prices and other effects of the wider economic reforms.

While Atiku and his supporters argue that a carefully designed intervention could provide relief without repeating the failures of the past, NANS and the APC maintain that returning to the subsidy system risks recreating the fiscal problems that prompted its removal.

For the students’ body, the immediate challenge is therefore not simply whether subsidy should return, but whether the savings from subsidy removal are being properly accounted for and invested in areas that can deliver lasting economic benefits to Nigerians.

NANS rejects Atiku’s fuel subsidy plan, demands accountability for savings

Ilorin Youth Group Demands Disbandment of Iru-Ekun Over Alleged Obstruction of Tani-Olohun’s Arrest

The Ilorin Emirate Integrity Youth Vanguard (IEIYV) has called for the immediate disbandment of the Iru-Ekun group in Kwara State, following allegations that its members obstructed law enforcement officers during an attempted arrest of social commentator Azeez Adegbola Tani-Olohun.

The group also called for a thorough investigation into the alleged obstruction and prosecution of anyone found to have committed an offence in connection with the incident.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Friday, August 28, 2026, by the National President of the IEIYV, Mallam Alaburo Abdulsalam Sherif.

The youth organisation said its position was taken under the leadership and royal guidance of the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

According to the group, the alleged incident occurred in connection with attempts by law enforcement authorities to arrest Tani-Olohun over allegations bordering on criminal defamation, cyberstalking and cyberbullying.

The IEIYV condemned what it described as any attempt by individuals, organisations, traditional institutions, political interests or pressure groups to obstruct law enforcement officers from carrying out what it considers a lawful duty.

It maintained that no individual or group should place itself above the law or interfere with the judicial process, stressing that allegations of criminal conduct should be resolved through investigation and adjudication by competent authorities and courts.

The group also emphasised the importance of respecting court orders, describing them as expressions of the authority of the Nigerian judiciary which must be obeyed by citizens and organisations.

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It said where a person is accused of committing an offence, the appropriate course of action is to allow the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and, where necessary, bring the matter before a competent court.

The IEIYV stressed, however, that its demand for legal action against Tani-Olohun should not be interpreted as a call for extrajudicial treatment of the accused.

It said Tani-Olohun should be afforded all rights and protections guaranteed under the Constitution and other relevant laws, while the allegations against him should be properly investigated.

Sherif said the association would not support any action capable of undermining the rule of law or creating the impression that influential individuals or organised groups could obstruct lawful processes without consequences.

He called for the allegations against Tani-Olohun to be subjected to proper investigation and, if the evidence establishes a prima facie case, for him to be prosecuted before a competent court.

The IEIYV also called for an investigation into all individuals alleged to have participated in the obstruction of the attempted arrest, saying anyone found to have incurred criminal liability should face prosecution in accordance with the law.

Five-point demand

Specifically, the group demanded the immediate disbandment of Iru-Ekun in Kwara State, subject to the appropriate legal and administrative procedures.

It further called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged obstruction of Tani-Olohun’s arrest and urged the authorities to investigate every individual allegedly involved in the incident.

The group also demanded that Tani-Olohun be prosecuted before a competent court if investigations establish sufficient grounds for charges relating to criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying or any other offences properly brought against him.

It equally urged all parties involved to adhere strictly to due process and the rule of law.

The youth group appealed to security agencies and other relevant authorities to handle the matter professionally and impartially, warning against actions capable of escalating tensions within the Ilorin Emirate.

It urged all parties to avoid conduct that could threaten peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in the emirate.

The association said its position was aimed at strengthening respect for constitutional institutions and ensuring that disputes involving individuals and groups were handled through established legal channels.

The IEIYV reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, peaceful coexistence and the protection of the dignity and unity of the Ilorin Emirate.

It maintained that justice should be allowed to take its proper course and that every person involved in the matter, including the accused, should be treated in accordance with Nigerian law.

The group concluded by stressing that the law must remain supreme and that no individual or organisation should be allowed to place itself above the law.

Ilorin Youth Group Demands Disbandment of Iru-Ekun Over Alleged Obstruction of Tani-Olohun’s Arrest

Itauma loses unbeaten record to Hrgovic, discharged from hospital

Nigerian-British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has returned home after spending a night in hospital following the first defeat of his professional boxing career.

The 21-year-old was taken to hospital for medical checks after Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic stopped him in the ninth round of their vacant IBF heavyweight title bout at The O2 Arena in London.

Itauma, who had built a reputation as one of the most promising young heavyweights in world boxing, was carried from the ring on a stretcher after appearing exhausted and struggling to defend himself in the closing stages of the contest.

His promoter, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, subsequently confirmed that Itauma had received medical attention and was discharged after doctors completed their assessment.

“Moses is well. He left the hospital last night and, after being checked over, he is now back home with his family,” Queensberry said in a statement.

The defeat brought an abrupt end to Itauma’s unbeaten professional record and came after he had appeared to control much of the fight against the more experienced Hrgovic.

Itauma was reportedly ahead on the judges’ scorecards before the Croatian began to turn the contest around in the later rounds. The British-Nigerian showed increasing signs of fatigue in the eighth round, allowing Hrgovic to step up the pressure.

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Referee Howard Foster eventually halted the fight at 2:27 of the ninth round when Itauma was no longer able to adequately defend himself.

There were initial concerns that the young boxer might have suffered a leg injury, with Warren confirming immediately after the bout that Itauma had been taken to hospital.

“Moses has gone to hospital. He has done something to his leg. He did something to his leg and he was exhausted, is the truth of it. It was a very fast-paced fight,” Warren said.

Despite the setback, Warren believes the defeat can serve as an important learning experience for Itauma, who is regarded as a major prospect in the heavyweight division.

“He got caught and the fighting instinct was to stand there and let his shots go,” Warren said.

“That’s what it is at the top level. You have to tick all the boxes. He has got to learn from the fight and will hopefully do that.”

Hrgovic also acknowledged that Itauma had given him a difficult fight before his late surge changed the outcome.

“I was getting outboxed, but somehow I found the energy and the punch to change it all,” the Croatian said.

The 34-year-old praised Itauma as the toughest opponent he had faced, while pointing to the youngster’s lack of experience at the highest level.

“He is the best fighter I have been in with but he needs more experience. He gassed out. I knew I had the pace in my favour. He gassed out but he is one of a kind,” Hrgovic said.

Itauma’s defeat may have ended his perfect record, but his rapid rise and the quality of his performance before fatigue set in are expected to ensure that the setback does not derail his career.

With the young heavyweight now back home recovering with his family, attention will turn to his rehabilitation and how he responds to the first major adversity of his professional career.

Itauma loses unbeaten record to Hrgovic, discharged from hospital