President Bola Tinubu’s recent departure to France aboard a newly acquired presidential jet has ignited a firestorm of controversy and criticism, following weeks of speculations that the Federal Government has quietly purchased the aircraft.
The jet’s purchase, which reportedly cost over $100 million, was intended to remain a closely guarded secret due to fears of public backlash, especially given Nigeria’s current economic difficulties. However, the plan was unexpectedly exposed following a French court’s order to seize three Nigerian aircraft over a contract dispute with a Chinese company.
The acquisition of the Airbus A330 was intended to replace the aging Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) in Nigeria’s presidential fleet. Sources within the government have revealed that the administration was acutely aware of the potential fallout from such a high-profile purchase during a time of significant economic hardship for the majority of Nigerians.
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The decision to keep the purchase secret was driven by concerns that the revelation would spark public outrage, particularly as the government faces criticism for its handling of the economy and its recent disputes with labor unions over minimum wage increases.
However, the plan to keep the purchase under wrap was inadvertently exposed when a French court ordered the seizure of three Nigerian aircraft in connection with a contract dispute involving a Chinese company. The court’s decision brought the acquisition of the new presidential jet into the spotlight, forcing the government to publicly acknowledge the purchase.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga defended the acquisition, claiming that the new jet would save Nigeria millions of dollars in maintenance and fuel costs. Onanuga emphasized that the aircraft was purchased “far below market value,” and that it was necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of the presidential fleet.
“The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly,” Onanuga said in a statement confirming the purchase.
The Airbus A330, which has already assumed the role of Nigeria’s Air Force One, is now registered as 5N-NGA. According to Onanuga, the new jet is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior, and an advanced communications system, providing enhanced safety and operational efficiency for the nation’s leaders.
Jet Purchase Not In The Budget
The secrecy surrounding the jet’s purchase extended to Nigeria’s legislative bodies. Several lawmakers have stated that they were unaware of the acquisition, as it was neither discussed nor approved during plenary sessions. This lack of transparency has only added fuel to the public’s frustration, with many questioning the government’s commitment to accountability.
A member of the House of Representatives, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, revealed that the purchase was not included in either the main budget or the supplementary budget presented to the National Assembly.
“We’ve not seen anything in the main budget or the supplementary budget about the purchase of a new presidential aircraft,” the lawmaker said. “So, we cannot say anything. I won’t have any comments until I see the details.”
Another source within the Senate confirmed that the matter was never tabled for discussion, further highlighting the administration’s efforts to keep the purchase under wraps.
Public Outcry and Calls for Transparency
The exposure of the secretive jet purchase has led to widespread criticism from various quarters, including opposition figures and civil society organizations. Many Nigerians have expressed outrage over the government’s decision to prioritize the acquisition of a luxury aircraft while the country grapples with severe economic challenges and workers struggle to make ends meet.
Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, was among those who called for greater transparency, urging the government to disclose the full details of the purchase.
“Now that the Presidential Jet has arrived. From all indications, despite all the denials, and back and forth over the newly acquired Presidential aircraft, the jet is now here thanks to the French court that helped Nigerians to get the information,” Obi said.
“Now that the Jet is here, Nigerian taxpayers whose money was used to purchase it need to be privy to how much it cost, how old the aircraft is, and how long it’s been in operation.”
Obi’s statement reflects a broader sentiment among Nigerians who are demanding to know the true cost of the aircraft, especially in light of the economic hardships facing the nation.
The decision to acquire a new presidential jet has been seen by many as an indication that the government is out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. They argue that the funds used to purchase the aircraft could have been better spent on addressing pressing social and economic issues, such as improving public services or providing relief to those hardest hit by the economic downturn.