In a bold move aimed at exposing alleged corruption within Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared a massive protest to take place within the next 72 hours.
The protests will focus on the alleged misappropriation of 42,000 metric tons of food items that were intended for the country’s most vulnerable populations.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday, signed by NANS Deputy Senate President, Huzaifa Sabo Usman. “This 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,” Usman stated.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Usman detailed how NANS submitted a Freedom of Information request to NEMA on August 14, 2024, titled “Alleged Diversion of 42,000 Metric Tons of Grains.”
Despite their efforts to uncover the truth, Usman expressed frustration: “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.”
Further complicating the issue, Usman cited a letter from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, which confirmed that the 42,000 metric tons of assorted food grains were indeed released to NEMA as per the President’s directive. However, he accused NEMA staff of colluding with corrupt state officials to divert these essential supplies for personal gain.
“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 asserted.
The scale of this alleged diversion raises concerns about systemic corruption within NEMA. Usman remarked, “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 is demanding an immediate and transparent accounting of how the food grains were distributed.
“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,” Usman warned.
Urging widespread support, he concluded, “NANS calls on all students and the general public to support this cause and join us in our fight for justice and transparency.”