President Bola Tinubu is set to embark on his first trip aboard Nigeria’s new presidential jet, heading to Paris, France on Monday. .
Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesperson, announced the trip in a statement on Sunday night, describing it as “a brief work stay” without providing specific details about the duration or agenda of the visit.
The new aircraft, an Airbus 330 with registration number 5N-NGA, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja on Sunday evening. Air Vice Marshal Olayinka Olusola, commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, was present to receive the jet.
Sources close to the matter revealed that the aircraft was acquired through an unconventional deal. A presidency official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The acquisition of the Airbus A330 is a prudent investment for Nigeria, offering enhanced safety, comfort, efficiency, and national pride.”
The Explainer learned, the jet, reportedly purchased for over $100 million, was previously owned by an oil sheikh who used it as collateral for a bank loan. L & L International LLC, an American aviation firm, brokered the deal, which the official described as “an excellent deal for Nigeria,” estimating the aircraft’s market value at around $600 million.
This acquisition follows recommendations from the House of Representatives’ National Security and Intelligence Committee. In June, the committee urged the government to replace aging aircraft in the presidential fleet, citing safety concerns and operational costs.
However, the purchase has not been without controversy. Critics, including Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, have questioned the wisdom of such an expenditure during a period of economic hardship for many Nigerians.
Funding for the aircraft reportedly came from the N180 billion contingency fund in the 2023 supplementary budget, following the National Assembly’s approval to extend the budget’s lifespan to December 31.
