The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership as “the greatest gift” to the country, particularly his decision to remove the petrol subsidy.
Mr Adedeji said the subsidy removal, despite the difficulties it initially caused for Nigerians, was necessary to safeguard the country’s economic future.
“The greatest gift to this republic is the leadership of President Tinubu, because if not for him at that time, removing the subsidy, only God knows where we would be now,” he said.
The NRS chairman argued that the government’s decision had helped avert deeper economic challenges and created room for reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s public finances.
President Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office in May 2023, declaring that “subsidy is gone”.
The policy has since remained one of the most consequential economic decisions of his administration, while also attracting criticism over its impact on the cost of living.
Mr Adedeji’s comments come amid continued efforts by the federal government to increase revenue, reduce dependence on oil and strengthen the country’s fiscal position.
He maintained that the long-term benefits of the reforms should be considered alongside the immediate economic pressures faced by Nigerians.
