Mr Atiku accused the Presidency of celebrating macroeconomic gains without acknowledging the economic realities confronting ordinary citizens. The former vice-president questioned whether economic growth had improved the purchasing power of Nigerians, reduced transport costs or lowered the expenses faced by manufacturers and small businesses. Nigerians are not buying inflation rates in the marketplace; they are buying food, medicine, transport and other necessities,” he said. He said food prices, transport fares, housing costs and energy expenses remained far above their pre-reform levels, placing increasing pressure on households. Mr Atiku maintained that economic reforms could only be considered successful when their benefits were reflected in the daily lives of citizens.