ACF Calls for Clear Economic Relief Milestones as Hardship Concerns Persist

The Arewa Consultative Forum has called on the Federal Government to attach clear timelines and measurable targets to efforts aimed at reducing the economic pressure facing Nigerians.

ACF Publicity Secretary Prof. Tukur Mohammed-Baba made the appeal during an interview with ARISE News on Thursday. He argued that the government should acknowledge weaknesses in how the effects of its economic reforms were assessed and provide a clearer account of what it intends to do about the difficulties experienced by households.

Mohammed-Baba pointed to declining purchasing power and the cost of rent, building materials, transportation and electricity as areas where Nigerians continue to feel pressure. He also included poor road conditions and insecurity among the broader challenges affecting living standards. These concerns were presented as the ACF spokesman’s assessment of current conditions rather than as findings announced by the government.

The ACF official questioned whether sufficient assessment of the likely social and economic consequences had been carried out before major reforms were introduced. Instead of asking citizens to wait indefinitely for improvements, he said the administration should state when specific results are expected and make those commitments measurable enough for the public to assess progress.

Mohammed-Baba suggested that some measures capable of easing hardship could be introduced within three months. He did not outline a detailed package of policies in the source report, but said the government should demonstrate that it recognises the strain households are experiencing and show through its actions that it is prepared to respond.

He also criticised what he described as an imbalance between the sacrifices demanded from citizens and those made by political office holders. His position was that public officials should demonstrate greater sensitivity to the economic burden being carried by Nigerians while communicating more directly about the results expected from government policies.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Mohammed-Baba said the ACF’s support would be guided by commitments to good governance, accountability and action against corruption rather than attachment to a particular party or individual. He also said the organisation would continue to advocate fairness and equity in governance.

The spokesman further urged political leaders to make realistic commitments instead of setting expectations that may not be achievable. His central demand was for government policy to be accompanied by specific milestones that allow Nigerians to judge whether promised improvements in economic conditions are actually being delivered.