The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has said that ordinary Nigerian citizens will continue to face increasing poverty and hunger unless the government reverses the removal of oil subsidies and the negative effects associated with devaluation of the Naira.

In a statement released by DAILY POST in Taraba State on Friday, the Conference expressed skepticism over the recent cabinet reshuffle carried out by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning Nigerians not to expect improvements significant of these changes.

Signed by its Deputy National Secretary for Communication, James Ezema, the CNPP argued that the removal of gasoline subsidies, while desirable, was implemented too hastily without a feasible plan to address the drastic reduction in purchasing power.

“Previous administrations had taken steps to cushion the negative impacts of increasing pump prices of petroleum products, but the current government had no concrete plan for about a year and five months now,” noted the CNPP .

The Conference also noted that the recent cabinet reshuffle has attracted varied reactions, urging Nigerians not to harbor excessive expectations from the changes.

“Until the removal of oil subsidies and the negative effects associated with the devaluation of the Naira are reversed, ordinary citizens will continue to face worsening poverty and hunger.

“The high cost of diesel continues to negatively impact the price of gasoline at the pump as tankers use diesel to transport gasoline across the country, leading to an increase in the cost of landing per liter,” explained the CNPP.

The CNPP highlighted the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to high fuel costs and electricity tariffs.

“The program of renewed hope promised by the President could turn into renewed despair if the current administration does not immediately return the price of gasoline to its 2015 pump price and the exchange rate to a level before the May 29, 2015.

“More and more businesses are closing their doors and SMEs are almost non-existent as they cannot afford the cost of fuel to power their businesses due to the high cost of diesel and petrol, and the high tariff of electricity doesn’t help them either.

“The government must take immediate steps to reverse the high cost of transportation in the country to stop the increase in the cost of food and basic necessities,” advised the CNPP.