The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared a nationwide protest against the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over what they describe as the fraudulent diversion of 42,000 metric tons of food grains meant for the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria. The announcement was made on Wednesday through a statement signed by Huzaifa Sabo Usman, the Deputy Senate President of NANS.
According to Usman, the protest, set to commence within the next 72 hours, is a direct response to the alleged misappropriation of food supplies intended to alleviate the suffering of millions of Nigerians facing food insecurity. "This protest is aimed at drawing nationwide attention to the misappropriation of 42,000 metric tons of food grains intended for the poor and vulnerable Nigerians by NEMA," the statement reads.
The issue came to the fore on August 14, 2024, when NANS submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to NEMA, titled "Alleged Diversion of 42,000 Metric Tons of Grains." The FOI request was based on numerous complaints from across the country regarding the alleged diversion. However, despite NANS's efforts to uncover the truth, the agency has not provided a satisfactory explanation about the whereabouts of the food supplies.
Investigative reports, along with corroborations from several state governors, suggest that the food grains did not reach the intended beneficiaries. "In spite of NANS efforts to get to the bottom of the matter based on complaints received across the States of the federation, there has been no satisfactory explanation regarding the whereabouts of the food supplies," Usman noted.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, through a letter dated June 27, 2024 (reference FMA/SGR/S/971/11/115), confirmed that the 42,000 metric tons of assorted food grains were released to NEMA as per a directive from the President. However, evidence points to the involvement of NEMA staff in collusion with corrupt state government officials in diverting these grains for personal gain, leaving countless Nigerians deprived of essential food supplies.
Usman did not mince words in his condemnation of the alleged corruption, stating that "The scale of this diversion suggests deep-seated corruption involving NEMA's Director General and her management team." He further likened this scandal to previous cases of mismanagement in the country, including the infamous #EndSARS protests that shook the nation in 2020.
"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," Usman continued. NANS has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to NEMA, demanding a satisfactory response to these allegations. Failure to do so, according to Usman, will lead to a massive protest at NEMA's headquarters in Abuja.
"We will not rest until those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable," Usman declared. He also called on all Nigerian students and the general public to join in the protest, urging them to support the cause and stand up for justice and transparency.
The impending protest by NANS has already garnered significant attention, with many Nigerians expressing their support for the students' action. As the 72-hour deadline approaches, all eyes are on NEMA to see how it will respond to these grave accusations.
This development comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe economic challenges, including high inflation and widespread poverty, making the alleged diversion of food supplies all the more egregious. The outcome of this standoff between NANS and NEMA could have far-reaching implications for governance and accountability in the country.
