Tinubu Boasts Of Nigerians Becoming Poorer, Mocks Friend Who Used To Drive Rolls-Royce

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, stirred controversy with remarks that appeared to mock the financial struggles of Nigerians, as he shared a personal anecdote about a friend who transitioned from driving five Rolls-Royces to a Honda.

Tinubu made this statement during a presidential media chat with reporters at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

The president narrated the story as part of his defense for the removal of fuel subsidies, a policy that has worsened the economic conditions of millions of Nigerians since its implementation shortly after his inauguration in May 2023.

According to Tinubu, his friend, who once flaunted a fleet of luxury cars, now drives a modest Honda due to the skyrocketing cost of petrol.

“My friend used to have about five Rolls-Royces,” Tinubu recounted. “The other day I saw him in his Honda. He said, ‘This is where you’ve put me.’ I told him, ‘I didn’t put you there.’ He replied, ‘Because of fuel price, I could no longer manage a five-limo type of vehicle.’”

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The statement has drawn criticism from Nigerians who interpret it as insensitive to the plight of the average citizen, many of whom have been pushed into deeper poverty by the administration’s policies.

Since the subsidy removal, petrol prices have surged from under ₦200 per litre to over ₦1,100 in many parts of the country.

The naira’s exchange rate has also plummeted, falling from around ₦700/$ to over ₦1,600, triggering inflation and reducing purchasing power. Electricity tariffs have similarly risen, adding to the economic strain on households and businesses.

Despite these challenges, Tinubu urged Nigerians to adapt to the evolving economic realities by adopting better resource management practices. He emphasized the need to control energy consumption, particularly as electricity bills continue to climb.

“It’s not negative to learn to manage,” Tinubu said. “You learn to control your electricity bill, switch off the light, let’s learn to manage.”