The presidency has unveiled the newly purchased Airbus A330, replacing the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) acquired during President Olusegun Obasanjo's tenure.
Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga disclosed this in a post on X on Monday, August 19, stating that the jet was bought at a price lower than the market price. He noted that Nigeria will save millions of dollars annually in maintenance and fuel costs.
The purchase was prompted by an "investigative hearing by Nigeria's parliament that questioned the plane's safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia."
The new plane aims to reduce downtime and operational expenses in the presidential fleet. The purchase may have been made under the Service Wide Vote, which may not require parliamentary assent, according to a top government official.
The statement reads, in part: "The new plane is spacious and furnished with state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior, and communications system."
The purchase of the new presidential aircraft has been met with disdain, as Nigerians cite the country's current economic challenges as a reason why the president should have suspended its purchase.
It has become a reference point for the opposition to criticize Tinubu, who consistently urged Nigerians to be patient with his administration and assured that the economic hardship is temporary
President Tinubu departs for France
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) August 19, 2024
President Tinubu departed Abuja Monday for Paris, France using the new Airbus A330, which replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The new plane, bought far below the market… pic.twitter.com/fxVj7dKWmW
