Tinubu Treks to Office, Hardly Uses Convoy, Hasn’t Left Nigeria in Three Months — NRS Chairman Defends President Amid Cost-of-Governance Debate

The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over the cost of governance, insisting the President does not live a lavish lifestyle.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Adedeji responded to host Seun Okinbaloye’s question about whether he was concerned by the perception that government officials live in luxury while many Nigerians struggle.

Adedeji said Tinubu’s personal lifestyle contradicts the image of excessive spending.

“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 shore of this country, walking trekking from work to… If you go there now, you will still see him reviewing one document or the other,” he said.

He questioned what had changed about Tinubu’s personal expenses since he became President, asking, “How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford?”

Adedeji also defended the use of government aircraft, questioning whether the President should be expected to fly commercially.

Okinbaloye, however, noted that the debate goes beyond the President’s lifestyle, pointing to the expenses of ministers, agency heads, and other officials.

Adedeji responded that government spending also impacts the wider economy, and that indiscriminate cuts could hurt businesses that rely on government patronage, ultimately reducing tax revenue.

“Government is both debit and credit,” Adedeji said, adding that government spending can generate income for businesses and tax revenue for the government.

The exchange comes amid ongoing public debate over government spending, austerity, and resource management.