The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged the Federal Government to acknowledge shortcomings in its assessment of the impact of economic reforms on Nigerians and establish clear timelines for improving living conditions.
The ACF Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Mohammed-Baba, made the call during an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, saying the government should admit where its impact assessment fell short and explain how it intends to address the resulting hardship.
Mohammed-Baba criticised the administration’s repeated assurances that the pains associated with the reforms would eventually give way to economic relief, describing such justifications as inadequate.
He cited declining purchasing power, rising rent, building material costs, transportation fares and electricity bills, alongside poor road conditions and insecurity, as indicators of the difficulties facing Nigerians.
The ACF spokesman also questioned whether the government had conducted adequate due diligence on the economic and living conditions of citizens before implementing the reforms.
He called on the administration to provide measurable targets and specific timelines for delivering improvements instead of repeatedly asking Nigerians for more time.
According to him, three months should be sufficient to introduce measures capable of easing the hardship facing the population.
Mohammed-Baba further criticised what he described as a disparity between the sacrifices demanded of Nigerians and the conduct of government officials, urging public office holders to demonstrate a willingness to share in the burden.
He said the ACF would support any political party or individual committed to good governance, accountability, anti-corruption, fairness and equity.
The spokesman urged the government to make realistic promises and focus on commitments it could fulfil, stressing the need for transparency and tangible improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.