The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against criticism over his lifestyle, insisting that the President does not live extravagantly despite occupying Nigeria’s highest political office.
Adedeji made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday while responding to questions about the lifestyles of political office holders amid the economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
The NRS chairman said Tinubu maintains a relatively modest routine, claiming that the President walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when travelling to the airport.
According to him, Tinubu also eats only once a day and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the three months preceding the interview.
“Mr President goes from home to office on foot, not even driving except when he is going to the airport. I don’t know where you see the convoy,” Adedeji said.
He added, “In the last months, he has not even left the shores of this country, trekking and working. If you go there now, you will see him review one document or the other.”
Adedeji was also asked about reports concerning the number of Cadillac Escalade vehicles allegedly attached to the President’s convoy.
While dismissing concerns over the vehicles, the NRS boss questioned why the use of such vehicles should automatically be interpreted as evidence of an extravagant lifestyle.
“How much is an Escalade that the President of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country. What is living large?” he asked.
The revenue service chief further argued that Tinubu’s public engagements and personal routine did not support the perception that the President spends his time attending lavish parties or going on frequent holidays.
“The President eats once in a day. How many parties have you seen him at in the last three years? Tell me where you have seen him, whether on holiday or anywhere?” he said.
Adedeji’s comments have since generated mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians questioning whether the President’s personal habits should be used to measure the cost of governance or the administration’s response to the country’s economic challenges.
Critics argued that whether the President walks to his office or eats once daily does not necessarily address concerns about government expenditure, the presidential fleet, or the wider cost of governance.
Others, however, defended the NRS chairman’s position, maintaining that official vehicles, aircraft and other assets associated with the presidency are government property and should not automatically be regarded as the President’s personal possessions.
The debate comes amid continued public scrutiny of government spending and the living conditions of Nigerians as the administration pursues economic reforms aimed at stabilising the country’s finances
