Nigerians have criticized Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, over his recent remarks about those opposing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Newworldtimes, a viral video shows Adedeji challenging these critics, asking what they would have done differently regarding Tinubu’s economic policies.
“This is what concerns me when I hear discussions about the economy,” Adedeji remarked to President Tinubu. “Simply ask them, what would they have done differently? Mr. President, I don’t want you to wonder. You’ve advanced the system beyond their understanding.”
Adedeji’s statement sparked reactions from Nigerians on social media platform X.
Responding to this, Joe Abah, a development professional and former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, called Adedeji’s comments insensitive.
“If true, it’s truly out of touch.”
He elaborated by comparing to the UK’s Andy Burnham, who is addressing the cost of living crisis. Within 19 days, Burnham eliminated the 5 percent VAT on domestic electricity (in Nigeria, it’s 7.5 percent), capped bus fares at £2 per ride by compensating private operators for cost differences, pledged a 20 percent reduction in business rates for pubs and clubs (key elements of British social life), and adjusted Universal Credit to help the poorest.
“So, I would have used the growing tax revenue to address the cost of living issues. That is what I would have done differently at my level. Hope that helps,” he posted on X.
In agreement, lawyer Vena Ikem commented on X: “He should consider what the millions of dollars he’s spending mean for the taxes collected from even the poorest citizens. If karma holds true, he will face repercussions in this life. This arrogance stems from misusing taxpayer money.”
Additionally, Adekunle Oderinde noted on X: “Zacch Adedeji’s convoy is both more costly and longer than that of the UK Prime Minister. Yet he comments on suffering Nigerians who criticize the policies of his leader, President Tinubu, who travels with an extravagant convoy despite limited resources.”
