Tinubu bought refurbished jet, not new one, Presidency clarifies
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga addressed recent criticisms surrounding the acquisition of an official jet, clarifying that President Bola Tinubu did not purchase a new aircraft but rather a refurbished Airbus A330.
The jet was acquired to ensure safe and cost-effective travel for the Nigerian presidency, he said, as the current fleet, including a 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, has been plagued with high maintenance costs and safety issues due to age.
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Onanuga emphasized that the aircraft belongs to the Nigerian state, not to President Tinubu personally. He also explained that the refurbished jet was approved by the National Assembly and selected for its reliability and reduced maintenance needs, compared to older planes in the fleet.
He highlighted an incident where a presidential plane experienced issues mid-flight, forcing Tinubu to use a chartered jet to reach his destination, stressing that the president’s safety should be a priority.
Onanuga added that Tinubu won’t take the plane with him when he leaves office; instead, it will remain part of the national fleet for future presidents. However, the decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some Nigerians and political opponents argue that purchasing a new jet, even if refurbished, is insensitive at a time when many Nigerians face severe economic hardship, with rising food prices, energy costs, and inflation impacting daily life.
Maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet has increasingly become a concern. Earlier in the year, Vice President Kashim Shettima was unable to attend the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit because the jet designated for his trip was grounded due to maintenance issues. Additionally, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) put a presidential Falcon 900B up for sale, with public bids invited for the aging aircraft.
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