President Bola Tinubu has addressed critics who labeled his 48-member cabinet as “bloated,” asserting that he will not reduce its size. During his first presidential media chat, Tinubu emphasized that “efficiency” guided his selection of ministers.

The chat, moderated by Dr. Reuben Abati of Arise TV, touched on key issues such as the economy, security, and tax reforms. Tinubu expressed confidence in his administration’s security strategy and defended the government’s borrowing practices, stating that borrowing for infrastructure development is justified.

Tinubu also stood by his decision to remove the petrol subsidy in May 2023, arguing that Nigeria could no longer afford to subsidize fuel for neighboring countries. He described the move as essential for safeguarding the nation’s future and that of generations to come. When questioned about a phased approach to subsidy removal, Tinubu stressed the need for fiscal responsibility, saying it is imprudent to incur expenses without adequate revenue to support them.