President Bola Tinubu has dismissed calls to reduce the size of his cabinet, emphasizing the importance of efficiency in governance. Speaking during the ongoing presidential media chat, the president responded to criticisms about maintaining a large team of ministers and advisers.
“I am not prepared to downsize my cabinet,” Tinubu stated. “Every member has a clear job description and is performing well. If you need to cater to 200 million people, consider how many stewards are required. Let us focus on efficiency rather than numbers.”
Addressing the ongoing tax reforms, Tinubu stressed their necessity for Nigeria’s economic transformation. “Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot continue the outdated practices of the past. A new era has begun, and I am convinced we must embrace it,” he said.
On the Value Added Tax (VAT) component of the reforms, the president acknowledged that tax policies are open to debate and review, signaling a willingness to engage stakeholders in the process.
Tinubu also highlighted improved fiscal management under his administration, noting that more revenue is being generated and distributed effectively.
The president further lauded the progress in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. “Two decades of rampant killings have been tackled. Today, Nigerians can travel the roads safely, a stark contrast to the situation in the past,” he said.