Zacch Adedeji, executive chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme. He responded to questions about public officials living large while many Nigerians faced rising costs.
Adedeji dismissed claims of lavish lifestyles among leaders. He focused on President Bola Tinubu’s daily habits.
Adedeji stated that Tinubu usually moved on foot. He said, “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.”
The chairman added that Tinubu used a vehicle only for airport trips. He questioned reports of large convoys with Escalades. Adedeji asked, “How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country.”
Adedeji described Tinubu’s routine further. He said the president ate only once daily. In recent months, Tinubu had not left the country.
“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.
He continued, “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?”
The comments came amid public debate on government spending. Journalist Seun Okinbaloye had asked about perceptions that officials lived in luxury while poverty persisted.
Adedeji maintained that Tinubu focused on work rather than excess. He pointed to the president’s former habits before taking office and his current schedule of reviewing documents.
The interview aired on August 9, 2026. Reports followed the next day as Nigerians reacted to the statements.
