The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over the alleged lavish lifestyle of Nigeria’s political leaders, saying the President does not live extravagantly despite his position.
Adedeji made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, while responding to questions from journalist Seun Okinbaloye about the lifestyle of public officials amid the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
The NRS chairman said Tinubu’s lifestyle did not reflect the perception of extravagance often associated with Nigeria’s political class, claiming that the President routinely walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when travelling to the airport.
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“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. Before he became president, what is he riding?” Adedeji said.
He also dismissed concerns over the use of luxury vehicles, particularly Cadillac Escalades, by the presidential convoy, questioning why the President should not be able to afford such vehicles.
“How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country,” he said.
Adedeji further claimed that Tinubu had not travelled outside Nigeria in the past three months, arguing that the President had remained focused on his official responsibilities.
“What is living large? 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,” he said.
The NRS chairman also said the President eats only once a day and rarely attends social events.
“So what is living large? 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 asked.
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His comments come amid renewed public debate over the lifestyles and spending of political office holders at a time when Nigerians are facing rising living costs and pressure on household incomes.
The debate has also focused on the size of official convoys, luxury vehicles and other privileges enjoyed by political leaders, with critics arguing that public officials should demonstrate greater sensitivity to the economic realities confronting citizens.
Adedeji, however, maintained that Tinubu’s personal lifestyle should not be characterised as extravagant, pointing to what he described as the President’s work routine and limited personal travel as evidence.
