The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu against claims that he lives an extravagant lifestyle, saying the President’s wealth predates his emergence as Nigeria’s leader.
Adedeji said Tinubu, who was already a wealthy businessman and politician before becoming President, has not used his position to live lavishly at the expense of public resources.
The NRS boss made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday while responding to questions about the lifestyle of political office holders amid the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
Adedeji argued that Tinubu’s personal wealth should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of misuse of public funds, stressing that the President had accumulated his wealth long before assuming office.
He also sought to dispel perceptions that the President spends excessively on himself, claiming that Tinubu maintains a relatively modest routine despite his status and responsibilities.
“Mr President goes from home to office on foot, not even driving except when he is going to the airport,” Adedeji said.
Responding to questions about the number of luxury vehicles reportedly attached to the President’s convoy, Adedeji questioned why the ownership or use of expensive vehicles by the President should automatically amount to extravagance.
“How much is an Escalade that the President of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country,” he said.
According to Adedeji, Tinubu’s wealth should be distinguished from government revenue, arguing that the President has continued to work and manage public resources without using the country’s finances to fund a lavish personal lifestyle.
He said the President had spent much of his time working in the country and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the preceding three months.
“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,” Adedeji said.
The NRS chairman further claimed that Tinubu eats only once a day and rarely attends social events or goes on private 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 asked.
Adedeji’s comments come amid ongoing public scrutiny of government spending and the lifestyles of political office holders, particularly as Nigerians continue to grapple with economic pressures and rising living costs.
He maintained that the President’s personal wealth should not be confused with the nation’s resources, stressing that Tinubu’s administration should be assessed based on how government revenue is managed and deployed for national development.
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