President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Monday, August 19, 2024 heading to Paris aboard the newly acquired Airbus A330. This aircraft recently became a topic of heated debate after a court-ordered seizure linked to a dispute with a Chinese firm.
The jet, which was eventually released, now serves as a replacement for the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) that was purchased during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
The decision to replace the aging Boeing aircraft followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament. Concerns were raised about the safety and cost efficiency of the older jet, especially after it experienced a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia. The Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended upgrading the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, emphasized that the new Airbus A330 was acquired “far below the market price.” He noted that the aircraft would save Nigeria substantial maintenance and fuel costs, amounting to millions of dollars annually.
The new acquisition underscores the government’s commitment to improving the efficiency and safety of the presidential fleet while also addressing the economic challenges facing the nation.
