The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s lifestyle, insisting that the President does not live extravagantly despite the privileges attached to his office.

Adedeji made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday while responding to concerns about the lifestyles of political office holders amid rising economic hardship and public scrutiny of government spending.

According to the NRS chairman, Tinubu often walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when travelling to the airport.

“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. Before he became president, what is he riding?” Adedeji said.

Responding to questions about reports of luxury vehicles, including Escalades, allegedly attached to the President’s convoy, Adedeji said there was nothing unusual about the President having access to such vehicles.

“How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country,” he said.

Adedeji also rejected suggestions that Tinubu has been living lavishly, saying the President has remained focused on his official responsibilities.

“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,” he said.

The NRS chairman further claimed that Tinubu eats only once a day and questioned how frequently the President attends social events or takes holidays.

“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?” Adedeji added.