Nigerians have criticized Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, for his recent remarks about those opposing economic reforms implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Obasnjonews24, a viral video shows Adedeji challenging critics of Tinubu’s economic reforms by asking what alternative actions they would have taken.
“That’s what concerns me when I hear certain people talk about the economy and related issues.”
“Simply ask them what they would do differently. Mr. President, I don’t want you to be left wondering. You have already elevated the system beyond their understanding and curiosity,” Adedeji said to President Tinubu.
Adedeji’s comment sparked reactions from Nigerians on X.
In response, Joe Abah, a development expert and former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, characterized Adedeji’s remark as lacking sensitivity.
If accurate, this statement is profoundly insensitive.
To address the question of what I might have done differently, one can simply refer to Andy Burnham from the UK, who is actively working on addressing living expenses.
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In only 19 days, he eliminated the 5 percent VAT on domestic electricity (which is at 7.5 percent in Nigeria); set a maximum bus fare of £2 per ride by compensating private sector operators for any shortfall in actual costs; committed to reducing business rates for pubs and clubs by 20 percent—recognizing their significance in British social life—and made adjustments to Universal Credit to better support the poorest and most vulnerable individuals.
He stated on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, “I would have allocated the rising tax revenue to address the cost of living. That’s how I would have approached it differently at my level. Hope that helps.”
In a similar vein, renowned lawyer Vena Ikem expressed on X: “He should reflect on the implications of spending millions of dollars while collecting taxes from even the poorest individuals. If karma indeed delivers justice, this man will face his due consequences during his lifetime. This arrogance stems from evading repercussions for embezzling tax funds.”
Adekunle Oderinde also posted on X: “Zacch Adedeji’s entire convoy is larger and more costly than that of the UK Prime Minister. Meanwhile, he comments on struggling Nigerians who are expressing concerns about President Tinubu’s policies—a president whose own convoy is extravagant despite limited resources.”
