President Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Monday for an official visit to Paris, France, marking his first trip aboard Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential jet. This update was confirmed by the President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement released on Sunday night.
The new presidential aircraft, an Airbus A330, landed at the presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday, August 18th, 2024, at 8:30 p.m. The plane was officially received by the Presidential Air Fleet team, led by Air Vice Marshal Olayinka Olusola.
President Tinubu
Details regarding President Tinubu’s agenda in France or the duration of his stay have not been disclosed. Mr. Ngelale only indicated that the President would return to Nigeria after a brief work-related stay in the European nation.
The Airbus A330 was recently acquired through a transaction brokered by L & L International LLC, a Miami-based aviation firm. The jet, which was repossessed from an indebted oil sheikh, was purchased by Nigeria for over $100 million. According to a presidency official, this acquisition is considered an excellent deal for Nigeria, as the aircraft’s market value is estimated to be around $600 million.
The new Airforce One, now bearing the registration number 5N-NGA, features an elaborate VIP configuration and represents a significant upgrade from the 19-year-old Boeing 737-700 (BBJ) previously in use. The decision to replace the aging presidential jet was prompted by an investigative hearing conducted by the House of Representatives, which raised concerns about the safety and cost-efficiency of the older aircraft. The House National Security and Intelligence Committee subsequently recommended replacing at least two of the older, unserviceable planes in the presidential fleet to minimize operational downtime and expenses.
In late June, the Nigerian government secured funding from the N180 billion contingency fund included in the 2023 supplementary budget to facilitate this acquisition. This came after the National Assembly approved President Tinubu’s request to extend the budget’s lifespan to December 31, 2024.
The purchase of the new jet has sparked debate across Nigeria. Critics, including African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, have condemned the expenditure, arguing that it is ill-timed given the country’s economic challenges. On the other hand, proponents of the acquisition believe it is a prudent investment, offering enhanced safety, comfort, and efficiency, while also boosting national pride and projecting a positive image of Nigeria on the global stage.
