Presidential spokesperson has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not acquire a new official jet, but rather a refurbished one.
“This jet is not President Tinubu’s; it belongs to the Nigerian people,” Onanuga stated during his appearance on the socio-economic program ‘Inside Sources’ with Laolu Akande on Channels Television.
He highlighted the poor condition of some jets in the presidential fleet, particularly a 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 purchased during ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, which incurs high maintenance costs. Onanuga explained that, rather than continue spending excessively on upkeep, the President sought National Assembly approval for the refurbished Airbus A330, which promises reduced maintenance expenses.
Emphasizing the importance of the President’s safety, Onanuga insisted that the newly acquired plane is a state asset, not a personal one for Tinubu. He noted that the aircraft will remain in Nigeria’s possession, even after the President leaves office, and will benefit his successor.
READ ALSO : Nigerians deserve to know cost of presidential jet – Peter Obi
“This isn’t a new acquisition; it’s a refurbished jet that has been previously used, but it’s a significantly newer model than what President Buhari utilized,” he explained. Onanuga recounted an incident where the former president’s plane encountered issues on a trip to Saudi Arabia, necessitating a chartered flight to The Netherlands.
While defending the purchase, Onanuga acknowledged the criticism from Nigerians and political opponents who feel that the decision to invest in a refurbished jet is out of touch, especially given the ongoing struggles of many citizens facing soaring food prices and energy costs.
Concerns about the state of the Presidential Air Fleet have been mounting, especially after a faulty jet hindered Vice President Kashim Shettima’s attendance at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in May. Additionally, a Falcon 900B aircraft was recently listed for sale by the Nigerian Air Force, inviting bids for interested buyers.
Credible News.ng
