The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has described the removal of petrol subsidy as one of the best economic decisions taken in Nigeria, saying President Bola Tinubu deserves commendation for the policy.

Adedeji made the remarks while appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

He said many of the positive economic developments being recorded by the government were linked to the decision to remove the subsidy, which he described as unsustainable and harmful to the country’s economy.

According to him, the subsidy regime had existed for decades and placed a heavy burden on government finances.

“All the good results that I will reel out soon come as a result of that courageous decision. So, it is not a mistake; it is the best thing that has happened to this country,” Adedeji said.

The NRS chairman said Tinubu inherited an economy facing several structural challenges, including an unsustainable petrol subsidy regime, an underperforming oil sector and a narrow tax base.

He said the administration had introduced major reforms to address these challenges and urged Nigerians to assess the policies based on their long-term economic impact rather than emotions.

Adedeji also challenged those seeking to contest the 2027 presidential election to explain how they would handle the country’s economic challenges differently.

He specifically questioned whether they would reverse the removal of fuel subsidy or the unification of the foreign exchange market.

The NRS chairman further argued that retaining the subsidy would have placed an even greater strain on Nigeria’s finances, particularly amid global energy market pressures.

He estimated that the subsidy bill could have risen to about ₦53 trillion, while the exchange rate might have reached ₦3,500 to the dollar.

President Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy during his inauguration speech on May 29, 2023. The decision led to a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributed to higher transportation, food and production costs.

While the reform has increased government revenues and boosted allocations to the federal, state and local governments, its effect on the cost of living remains a major concern for many Nigerians.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has retained its position as Europe’s largest supplier of jet fuel for the second consecutive month, overtaking the United States and further strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the global energy market.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the refinery said the achievement highlights its growing influence in international refined petroleum trade and its ability to consistently meet the stringent quality standards required by one of the world’s most demanding aviation fuel markets.

According to the refinery, the latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler showed that more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel produced at the Dangote Refinery were delivered to Europe in July. This accounted for approximately 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports during the month.

The July performance follows an even stronger showing in June, when the refinery exported a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe, marking the first time Nigeria displaced the United States as Europe’s leading supplier of imported aviation fuel.

Dangote Refinery noted that Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with the Nigerian refinery accounting for the single largest share of those imports, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States, the Middle East and Asia.

The company attributed its growing success to its strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, large refining capacity, modern technology and efficient export infrastructure, which have enabled it to become a reliable supplier to international markets.

The refinery also disclosed that its export momentum has been supported by increased production.

According to the statement, jet fuel loadings at the Dangote export terminal in Lekki reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude oil deliveries to the refinery climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing the capacity needed to sustain rising exports of refined petroleum products.

Dangote Refinery further explained that changing global energy supply patterns have also contributed to its growing market share.

Although Europe continued to receive some jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and evolving geopolitical developments encouraged many buyers to diversify their sources of supply.

The refinery said these developments created an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its position as a dependable supplier of premium aviation fuel to Europe.

Commenting on the milestone, the Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird, said the company has continued to expand exports beyond aviation fuel to include diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products across Europe, Africa and other international markets.

He said the refinery’s growing export footprint is reinforcing Nigeria’s emergence as a net exporter of high-value refined petroleum products while boosting the country’s role in global energy trade.

Zenith Bank has confirmed that it suffered a cyberattack that resulted in the exposure of limited customer information.

In a message sent to customers on Tuesday, the bank said the attack was part of a wider global cyber campaign targeting organisations across different sectors.

According to the bank, the compromised information includes some customers’ email addresses and phone numbers. However, it assured customers that its banking services and digital platforms were not affected and remain secure.

Zenith Bank said it immediately activated its cybersecurity response measures after detecting the breach and has launched an investigation into the incident.

The bank also advised customers to be alert for phishing emails, text messages and phone calls, warning them never to share their passwords, PINs, One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or other security credentials with anyone.

Zenith Bank reaffirmed its commitment to protecting customers’ information and said efforts are ongoing to determine the full extent of the cyberattack.