The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate action on four major road projects in the northeast region of Nigeria.
This ultimatum was announced in a press release by Umar Afkawa, the Zone E Coordinator of NANS, highlighting the urgent need for contractors to resume work on the stalled road projects.
The affected roads are crucial for the daily lives of residents, students, and commuters. These projects include the Numan-Gombe, Numan-Jalingo, Damaturu-Buni Yafi, and Biu-Garkida roads.
“We are giving the Federal Government just 14 days to mobilise contractors to the sites and resume work. Failure to do so will lead to mass protests in Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, and Gombe states,” Afkawa stated firmly in the release.
The Zone E Coordinator further expressed the deep frustration felt by students, commuters, and locals due to the delays in completing the roads. The lack of proper infrastructure has severely impacted their daily lives, causing unnecessary hardships.
“The students are suffering. The communities are suffering. These roads are vital to the survival of the people, and yet, despite several promises from the Federal Government, nothing has been done,” Afkawa said, voicing the concerns of many affected by the delay.
The NANS leadership has taken this issue very seriously, as the long-standing road projects have yet to be completed. Despite assurances from the government, no significant progress has been made, leading to growing resentment.
Afkawa also called on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to provide a clear and realistic timeline for the completion of these roads.
“The Minister must tell us when the work will be done. The people of the northeast deserve better,” he insisted.
The students have made it clear that they will not accept further delays. NANS plans to mobilize students and other members of the community in protest if their demands are not met within the 14-day window.
“We are not going to sit back and watch as our communities suffer. If the government does not take immediate action, we will take to the streets,” Afkawa warned.
In addition to students, the protests are expected to see the active participation of local residents, who have long felt neglected by the government. The delay in the completion of these roads has disrupted not only education but also trade and local transportation in the region.
The roads in question are crucial for the connectivity of several major towns and cities in the northeast. They serve as lifelines for the movement of goods and people, and their neglect has left many feeling abandoned.
In a country where infrastructure plays a critical role in economic and social development, the delay in these road projects raises serious concerns. The roads were supposed to enhance the region’s economic activity, ease transportation, and improve access to education and healthcare.
“These are life-changing projects for our people, especially students. It is unacceptable that after all this time, we are still waiting for progress,” Afkawa said.
The students’ union is prepared to escalate the issue, engaging with relevant stakeholders and raising awareness through various channels.
“If the government refuses to act, we will involve the media, international organizations, and human rights groups. This matter cannot be ignored any longer,” Afkawa warned.
The Nigerian government has faced increasing criticism for its handling of infrastructure projects in many parts of the country. The northeast, in particular, has suffered from neglect, with many road projects failing to meet their deadlines.
This latest ultimatum from NANS reflects the growing impatience of Nigerians, particularly students, who have felt the brunt of government inaction. The students have vowed that they will not back down until their demands are met.
“The people have been patient enough. We have endured enough hardship, and we will not let this continue,” Afkawa concluded.
