President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Monday for Paris, using the new Airbus A330, which replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released the pictures of the presidential jet via his verified X handle on Monday.
The Airbus A330 business jet carrying the President and some of his key aides lifted off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 04:08 pm.
Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, announced on Sunday that the President will embark on his fourth trip to the European country on Monday departing from Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The statement by Onanuga confirmed the purchase of the new plane which has been in the news as a rumour.
Onanuga, however, did not reveal the amount spent by the Nigerian government to acquire the new presidential jet.
According to him, the new jet saved Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.
He wrote, “President Tinubu departed Abuja Monday for Paris, France, using the new Airbus A330, which replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“The new plane bought far below the market price saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.
“The recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament that questioned the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
“The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses.
“The new plane is spacious and is furnished with state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior and communications system.”
The purchase of a new plane by the Tinubu administration has generated controversies, with many questioning its justification at a time when the country’s economy is in dire condition.
The Senate was also accused of not caring for the plight of the Nigerian masses for approving the purchase of a new presidential jet at such a critical time.
However, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, denied getting such a request from the Presidency at the time but also said the lawmakers would consider the request if it comes.
