Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga recently clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not acquire a brand-new official jet as widely believed; rather, he obtained a refurbished model. Speaking on Channels Television’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Onanuga emphasized that the newly acquired Airbus A330 is a government-owned asset and belongs to the Nigerian people, not the president.
According to Onanuga, several jets in Nigeria’s presidential fleet, including a 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 purchased during ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, have deteriorated significantly. These older jets are costly to maintain, and some have even posed risks due to recurring malfunctions. One notable instance, he recalled, was during a presidential visit to Saudi Arabia, where the jet experienced technical issues, forcing Tinubu to charter an alternative flight to The Netherlands.
In light of such frequent maintenance demands, Tinubu secured National Assembly approval for the refurbished Airbus A330. Onanuga highlighted that while previously owned, this model is much newer and more reliable than its predecessors. The decision, he argued, is economically sensible, saving the nation from high repair costs while providing a safer mode of travel for the president. Onanuga stressed that the jet’s acquisition reflects the need to prioritize presidential safety, particularly as Tinubu continues to represent Nigeria in various international forums.
However, Tinubu’s decision to acquire the refurbished jet has drawn criticism. Some Nigerians and political contenders view the purchase as insensitive, especially as many citizens are struggling with surging inflation and rising energy costs. Critics argue that funds could be better allocated to pressing issues affecting the population.
Safety concerns surrounding Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet are not new. Just this year, in May, Vice President Kashim Shettima was prevented from attending the US-Africa Business Summit due to issues with the presidential fleet. Additionally, a Falcon 900B jet, one of the older aircraft in the fleet, was listed for sale last December by the Nigerian Air Force in an effort to manage and streamline the fleet’s operational costs.
Onanuga reaffirmed that the Airbus A330 will be available for Tinubu’s successor, underscoring that it is not a personal asset but a resource meant to serve future presidents. By focusing on upgrading Nigeria’s presidential fleet with a more reliable, cost-effective jet, he urged the public to support the president’s commitment to ensuring safe and efficient operations for Nigeria’s highest office.
