In a recent interview, Bayo Onanuga, spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, clarified that the president did not acquire a new official jet but rather a refurbished one. Speaking on Channels TV on October 27, Onanuga addressed the controversy surrounding the acquisition, stating, “It’s not President Tinubu’s plane; it belongs to the people of Nigeria, it is our property.”
Onanuga detailed the condition of the existing aircraft in the presidential fleet, highlighting the age and maintenance issues of older models, such as a 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 that was purchased under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He emphasized the outrageous costs associated with maintaining these aging jets, prompting President Tinubu to seek approval from the National Assembly for a more cost-effective solution: a refurbished jet that remains in good condition.
The newly acquired Airbus A330 is expected to significantly reduce maintenance costs compared to the older aircraft, according to Onanuga. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety of the president during air travel, asserting that the refurbished jet is a sensible choice given the current state of the presidential fleet. “People should try to prioritize the safety of the president. I’m not sure anybody wishes our president to go and crash in the air,” he said, underscoring the necessity of ensuring a safe mode of transport.
Onanuga further clarified that this refurbished jet is not a personal asset of President Tinubu. “The president did not buy a new jet; what he has is a refurbished jet – it has been used by somebody else before he got it but it is a much newer model than the one President Buhari used,” he explained. He noted that the previous aircraft had developed issues during a trip to Saudi Arabia, forcing the president to charter a different jet for travel.
The spokesman also mentioned discussions he had with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, regarding the exorbitant maintenance costs associated with the aging aircraft. Onanuga reiterated the need for a reliable and safe alternative, asserting that the refurbished jet would also benefit Tinubu’s successor, as it will remain a national asset.
Despite these explanations, the acquisition has faced criticism from various quarters, with many Nigerians questioning the president’s decision amid rising food prices and energy costs. Critics argue that the purchase appears insensitive given the current economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
Concerns about the health of the Presidential Air Fleet have been mounting. Notably, in May, a faulty jet prevented Vice President Kashim Shettima from attending the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit, raising alarms about the reliability of existing aircraft.
Additionally, last December, a Falcon 900B aircraft from the presidential fleet was put up for sale by the Nigerian Air Force, inviting bids from interested parties. This ongoing scrutiny highlights the broader concerns about the administration’s spending priorities and the condition of government assets.
