The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu enjoys an extravagant lifestyle, saying the President maintains a relatively simple routine despite occupying Nigeria’s highest political office.
Adedeji made the assertion during a television interview on Sunday while discussing the controversy surrounding the spending habits and lifestyles of public officials.
He said Tinubu spends most of his time working and claimed that the President often walks between his residence and office instead of using official vehicles.
According to the NRS chief, the President only uses a vehicle when travelling to the airport and has remained in Nigeria for about three months without embarking on a foreign trip.
Adedeji also claimed that Tinubu eats just once a day, using the President’s routine to counter suggestions that he lives lavishly at a time when Nigerians are facing economic difficulties.
Responding to questions about the number of luxury vehicles reportedly associated with the presidential convoy, Adedeji argued that the ownership or use of such vehicles by the President should not automatically be regarded as excessive spending.
He said, “How much is an Escalade that the President of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country.”
The revenue chief maintained that Tinubu’s schedule was dominated by official responsibilities rather than social engagements, adding that the President could often be found working on government documents.
“What is living large? In the last months, he has not even left the shores of this country, trekking and working,” Adedeji said.
He further challenged critics to identify occasions when Tinubu had been seen frequently attending parties or going on private holidays since assuming office.
“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.
The comments came amid renewed public debate over government spending and the standard of living of political office holders, with Nigerians continuing to contend with the effects of rising costs and economic pressures.
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