National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ameh, has squarely placed the blame for Nigeria’s escalating hunger, depression, and crime rates on the federal government’s decision to eliminate fuel subsidies. In a statement released in Abuja on February 6, 2024, Ameh criticized the move as detrimental to the nation’s poor, arguing it effectively shifts benefits from the less privileged to the wealthier segments of society.

Ameh’s statement highlighted the adverse effects of the subsidy removal on the cost of transportation and goods, noting a fourfold increase that has significantly worsened the economic situation for most Nigerians. He described the current state of affairs as akin to walking through the “valley of the shadow of death,” with rising criminality and desperation marking the daily lives of citizens.

“The federal government’s approach to removing fuel subsidies was unplanned, unprepared, and unstructured, leading to severe economic hardship for the majority of Nigerians,” Ameh stated, pointing out the direct correlation between these policy decisions and the increase in criminal activities, including unprecedented thefts.

To mitigate the consequences of subsidy removal, Ameh proposed a phased approach that would shield the poor from the brunt of economic repercussions. He emphasized the importance of improving the public transport system and ensuring the operational efficiency of refineries to reduce the need for importing refined oil products—a measure he believes would curb corruption and stimulate job creation.

Ameh’s critique reflects broader concerns about the government’s fiscal policies and their impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic fabric. His call for strategic, phased subsidy removal underscores the need for policies that consider the well-being of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable, to foster a balanced and inclusive economic growth.