The Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against allegations that senior government officials are living extravagant lifestyles while millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship.

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Adedeji made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, where he responded to questions from journalist Seun Okinbaloye regarding public perception of the lifestyle of political office holders amid rising inflation, high living costs and ongoing economic reforms.

Okinbaloye had asked whether the Federal Government was concerned about growing criticism that many public officials appear to enjoy luxurious lifestyles despite the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.

Responding, Adedeji rejected the perception that President Tinubu lives extravagantly, urging Nigerians to distinguish between assumptions and reality.

According to him, the President does not routinely move around with the large convoys often associated with top government officials and, in some instances, even walks from his official residence to his office.

“President Tinubu does not regularly move around with a large convoy, and there are times he walks from his residence to his office. He only uses a vehicle for certain trips, including when he is going to the airport. I have not seen the kind of constant convoy that some people claim the President travels with,” Adedeji stated.

The NRS chairman maintained that many of the public assumptions about the President’s lifestyle do not reflect the reality of his daily routine, stressing that Tinubu’s movements are often less elaborate than widely portrayed.

His comments come amid continued public debate over the cost of governance and calls from labour unions, civil society organisations and opposition figures for government officials to demonstrate greater prudence and sacrifice as Nigerians contend with economic challenges resulting from ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms.

The Tinubu administration has repeatedly defended its economic policies, arguing that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy, improve government revenue, attract investment and lay the foundation for sustainable long-term growth despite the short-term hardship experienced by many citizens.