The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over the cost of governance, insisting that the President does not live a lavish lifestyle as alleged by some Nigerians.
Adedeji made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, following a question from the programme’s host, Seun Okinbaloye, on whether he was concerned about the perception that government officials “live large and in luxury” while many Nigerians continue to struggle with poverty.
Responding, Adedeji said President Tinubu’s personal lifestyle does not reflect the image of excessive spending often associated with government.
“Mr. President goes from home to office on foot, not even driving. I don’t know, except he’s going to the airport, so I don’t know where you see the convoy. In the last three months, he has not even left the shores of this country,” he said.
He added that the President could often be found reviewing official documents, saying, “If you go there now, you will still see him reviewing one document or the other.”
Adedeji also questioned whether the President’s personal spending had significantly changed since assuming office, asking, “How much is Escalade that the President of Nigeria cannot afford?”
He further defended the use of government aircraft, questioning whether the President should be expected to travel on commercial flights.
Okinbaloye, however, stressed that the debate over the cost of governance goes beyond the President’s personal lifestyle, pointing to expenses associated with ministers, heads of government agencies and other public officials.
In response, Adedeji argued that government spending also has an impact on the wider economy. He maintained that indiscriminate cuts in government expenditure could negatively affect businesses that depend on government patronage and, ultimately, reduce tax revenue.
“Government is both debit and credit,” Adedeji said, stressing that government spending can generate income for businesses while also creating taxable economic activity.
The exchange comes amid continued public debate over the cost of governance, austerity measures and the management of public resources in Nigeria.
