Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has challenged the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Adedeji, to provide a broader assessment of the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal under President Bola Tinubu.

Adedeji had, while appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, defended the subsidy removal, saying the policy had prevented a much larger financial burden on the country.

According to the NRS chairman, retaining the subsidy could have cost the government about N53 trillion, while the naira could have depreciated to N3,500 against the dollar.

He also said monthly allocations to state governments had increased by 530 per cent, from about N700 billion to N4.5 trillion, following reforms under the Tinubu administration.

Reacting in a post on X on Monday, Oseni said the argument should also account for the financial impact of inflation on Nigerians.

“If the NRS chief says subsidy would have been over N50 trillion, can he also give us the revenue Nigerians lost to inflation? To balance the argument,” Oseni wrote.

The challenge comes amid ongoing debate over the economic consequences of the Federal Government’s reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange regime.

Adedeji has also recently faced criticism over comments attributed to him concerning President Tinubu’s personal lifestyle, including claims that the president walks to his office and eats once a day.