The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has described the removal of petrol subsidy as the best thing to have happened to Nigeria, saying President Bola Tinubu deserves commendation for taking the decision.

Adedeji spoke in an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.

According to him, the positive economic outcomes the government is recording are largely a result of the decision to remove the subsidy, which he described as unsustainable and detrimental to the country. The NRS chairman said the subsidy regime had persisted for decades despite its negative impact on the economy.

“All the good results that I will reel out soon come as a result of that courageous decision (subsidy removal). So, it is not a mistake; it is the best thing that has happened to this country. Subsidy was evil and had been with Nigeria for decades,” he said.

Adedeji said President Tinubu inherited an economy characterised by an unsustainable subsidy regime, an underperforming oil sector and a narrow tax base, arguing that the administration had taken fundamental steps to address the structural challenges.

He said the government’s economic decisions should not be assessed based on emotions, insisting that the reforms were necessary to reposition the economy.

The NIRS chairman also dismissed criticism of the reforms, saying the administration had fundamentally altered Nigeria’s economic structure in ways that some of its critics might not yet fully appreciate.

According to him, those seeking to challenge the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 elections should explain how they would handle the economic challenges differently.

“What the President deserves now is support and commendation for being a statesman and not a politician. Anybody who says he is coming (to contest as president), just ask them, ‘What will you do differently?’

“Are they saying that it is wrong that we removed fuel subsidy? Are they saying that it is wrong that we unified the rate?” he asked.

The NIRS chairman argued that retaining the subsidy would have placed an even greater burden on the country’s finances, particularly amid the economic pressures triggered by the global energy market and the Iran crisis.

According to Adedeji, had the subsidy remained, Nigeria’s subsidy bill could have risen to about ₦53 trillion, while the exchange rate could have reached ₦3,500 to the dollar.

President Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy in his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, triggering a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributing to higher transportation, food and production costs.

The policy has also contributed to increased government revenues and higher allocations to the three tiers of government through the Federation Account. While the reform has improved government finances, its impact on the cost of living has remained a major concern.

Channels TV

Revenue Monitoring Group Commends Customs Strategic Transformation Reforms in Trade, Security, Technology

The Revenue Monitoring Group of Nigeria (RMGN) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) for what it described as “a strategic transformation” in trade facilitation, border security and technology adoption under the leadership of Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the civil society organization said the reforms have repositioned Customs beyond revenue collection to become a key driver of national development.

Signed by RMGN President, Dr. Ifeanyi Duruaku, and Secretary General, Comrade Tor Lumun, the group noted that NCS had successfully ditched age-long manual processes in favour of digital, intelligence-led operations.

“The CGC has redefined NCS processes through automation, transparency, and trust with compliant traders,” RMGN stated. “This has fired up operational capacity and unleashed efficiency across the Service.”

The group specifically highlighted the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System, UCMS, and the B’Odogwu platform, which it said have cut human interference, reduced leakages, and sped up cargo clearance.

RMGN also lauded NCS for strengthening collaboration with the Army, Navy, DSS, EFCC and NFIU to combat smuggling, illicit financial flows, and wildlife trafficking.

On global recognition, the group congratulated Dr. Adeniyi on receiving commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 147th/148th sessions of the World Customs Organisation, WCO Council in Brussels on July 3, 2026, where he was unanimously re-elected as Chairperson

Quoting the President, RMGN stated:
“Adeniyi’s unanimous re-election is not only a personal honour, but also a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in global Customs administration. His leadership has been marked by bold initiatives that have improved revenue generation, strengthened border security, facilitated legitimate trade, and modernised Customs operations through homegrown innovations.

“RMGN described the presidential endorsement as “a glowing testament” to the CGC’s achievements.
Reviewing the last three years, the group said the reforms have delivered visible dividends. It cited 2025 trade figures of ₦194.94 trillion, with exports growing by 219.5% to ₦136.65 trillion, attributing the growth to reform and efficiency, not duty hikes.
“In what amounts to a referendum on the current leadership, it is clear that under Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Nigeria Customs Service has been significantly transformed,” RMGN concluded. “We now have a Service that is delivering on revenue, smarter trade facilitation, more effective anti-smuggling operations, and result-driven environmental protection.”