The National Association of Nigerian Students has withdrawn its threat to protest against the National Emergency Management Agency following allegations of food distribution misconduct.
The student association also announced its support for NEMA after concluding its investigations, which found no wrongdoing by the agency.
The association’s Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, in a statement on Friday, said the decision to retract the planned protest came after a thorough fact-finding mission that revealed the allegations were unfounded.
“We felt it necessary to clear the air and dispel any misconceptions regarding these allegations. After our discussions and review of documents provided by NEMA, it became clear that the claims of diversion of 42,000 metric tons of food items were completely baseless,” Babatunde said.
He said the NANS initiated an inquiry into the matter after allegations surfaced that NEMA was involved in diverting food supplies meant for various states across Nigeria.
He added that following a meeting with NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, NANS leadership was presented with evidence and explanations that validated the agency’s transparency and accountability.
“During our meeting, NEMA provided comprehensive documentation showing that the food items in question had been distributed as planned. The only exception was Akwa Ibom State, which experienced a delay due to late payment for transportation costs. This delay, however, should not be misconstrued as malfeasance on the part of NEMA.
“Mrs Zubaida Umar’s personal involvement in the distribution process demonstrates her commitment to serving all Nigerians, regardless of their location. NEMA has shown commendable levels of transparency and accountability,” he clarified.
Following the findings, he noted that NANS decided to withdraw its protest plans, emphasizing the importance of basing actions on verified facts.
“To proceed with protest without thorough fact-finding would not only damage the credibility of NANS as an organization dedicated to truth and justice but also disrupt the critical work that NEMA is doing to support vulnerable populations across the country,” he explained.
Despite acknowledging NEMA’s efforts, Babatunde expressed concerns about the possible interference with food items at the state level, stating, “It is disheartening to suspect that certain individuals may have been tampering with the items, preventing them from reaching the most vulnerable. NANS will closely monitor such activities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
The student leader revealed plans for joint initiatives aimed at educating and sensitising students on disaster management and preparedness.
“This partnership will reinforce the constructive role NANS can play in supporting government agencies and ensuring effective service delivery,” he added.
Speaking further, he called on all stakeholders to support NEMA’s mission rather than engage in actions that could impede its operations.
“Instead of protesting, we should focus our energies on supporting and collaborating with NEMA to ensure that it continues to fulfil its mandate effectively,” he urged.
NANS reiterated its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students and the broader community.
H stated, “We will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that our actions serve the best interests of the people we represent.”
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