NANS threatens protest over alleged harassment of Nigerians in India
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to occupy the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on March 10 over what it described as the government’s failure to address alleged harassment and discrimination against Nigerian students and citizens in India. The students’ body also called for the resignation of […]
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to occupy the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on March 10 over what it described as the government’s failure to address alleged harassment and discrimination against Nigerian students and citizens in India.
The students’ body also called for the resignation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, accusing the ministry of ignoring a petition earlier submitted on the ordeal of Nigerians in the Asian country.
In a letter signed by its Vice President, Special Duties, Comrade Ahmad Muhammad Mallawa, NANS said the petition sought urgent diplomatic engagement with Indian authorities and liaison with the Indian Embassy in Nigeria to address reported cases of harassment, discrimination and inhumane treatment of Nigerian students in India.
The association expressed concern that the ministry had neither acknowledged nor responded to the petition, describing the silence as unacceptable and raising doubts about the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora.
“This silence is deeply concerning. The protection of Nigerians abroad is both a constitutional and moral responsibility of the Federal Government,” the group said.
NANS added that under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians expect the foreign affairs ministry to defend the rights, dignity and safety of citizens abroad, particularly students pursuing education.
The association said the protest is to demand urgent government action and draw attention to the plight of Nigerian students in India.