Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the Federal Government’s economic reforms, arguing that rising revenue and other macroeconomic indicators have yet to translate into better living conditions for Nigerians.

Sowore made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, saying the success of the government’s economic policies should be measured by their impact on Nigerians’ standard of living, businesses, employment, education, security and wages.

He faulted the government for citing increased revenue, tax collection and the tax-to-GDP ratio as evidence of economic progress, arguing that such figures did not adequately reflect the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

The AAC candidate said Nigerians were more concerned about their ability to afford basic necessities, secure employment, operate sustainable businesses and access quality public services.

Sowore also called for tangible evidence of the benefits of the government’s reforms, including new industries, jobs, schools, roads and other infrastructure.

He criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy had increased the economic burden on citizens and contributed to the depreciation of the naira and declining purchasing power.

The activist maintained that subsidies were not inherently bad policies, arguing that governments around the world use them to protect vulnerable citizens and support strategic sectors.

Sowore further alleged that wealthy individuals and businesses benefited from government waivers and incentives while ordinary Nigerians bore the immediate impact of subsidy removal.

He called for a different approach to economic management, urging the government to implement policies that would create opportunities for the majority and make the minimum wage more meaningful.

The AAC candidate said economic reforms should ultimately be reflected in the lives and pockets of ordinary Nigerians, insisting that increased government revenue should translate into better public services and improved living conditions.