During the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government allocated a total sum of N14.77bn for the maintenance and repair of the presidential air fleet within a span of 11 months, as confirmed by NewsNow.
These payments were disbursed in 11 installments between July 16, 2023, and May 25, 2024, and were processed through a designated State House headquarters account labeled ‘Presidential Air Fleet Transit Funds.’
The National Assembly is currently considering approving the acquisition of two new aircraft due to issues with the President’s 19-year-old Boeing 737 and other dysfunctional planes in the fleet, as revealed in a report by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
The committee emphasized the need for additional aircraft to ensure the safety and operational efficiency of the Presidential Air Fleet, estimating the cost to be over $623.4m or N918.7bn, according to expert evaluations.
Despite significant investments in the air fleet by past administrations, concerns have arisen about its condition, leading President Tinubu to charter private jets and Vice President Shettima to cancel international trips due to aircraft issues.
The current Presidential Fleet comprises six aircraft and six helicopters, with maintenance and operation costs totaling N62.47bn during Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
While President Buhari pledged to reduce the fleet size as part of cost-cutting measures, allocations for the fleet’s maintenance consistently increased from N3.65bn in 2016 to N8.07bn in 2023, with additional funds spent on repairs and maintenance within the same period.
Separate from the expenses incurred on official trips, Governor Tinubu oversaw the disbursement of N14.77bn for fleet maintenance within a year of assuming office, according to data from GovSpend, a platform monitoring government spending.
Defending the need for new aircraft, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy highlighted the necessity of ensuring the President’s safety and operational efficiency, dismissing criticisms against the procurement.
Recently, the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party challenged the government’s decision to acquire new planes for the Presidential Air Fleet, citing economic challenges faced by Nigerians and the need for prudent resource management.
In response to criticisms, the ruling party, APC, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the President’s safety, especially in light of recent aviation tragedies involving top government officials from other countries.
It is not acceptable for any Nigerian, let alone the president, to travel in faulty aircraft.
Expressing his viewpoint, he acknowledged the opposition’s concerns about the country’s hardships, which are undeniably real. He emphasized that the administration is striving to alleviate the burdens experienced by the Nigerian populace. He highlighted the critical point that no nation would compromise the safety of its president. Recent plane crashes resulting in the deaths of several world leaders serve as a stark reminder of this reality.
Drawing parallels, he referenced the demise of Iran’s prime minister in an old helicopter, which led to various conspiracy theories attributing blame, including towards Israel. Nevertheless, the underlying truth was that the helicopter was indeed quite antiquated, possibly dating back to the 1970s. Due to various inherent issues, procuring a new aircraft proved challenging for them.
He further cited the unfortunate crash of Malawi’s vice president’s aircraft, questioning the rationale behind risking the safety of Nigeria’s president. If aviation experts advise against the use of certain planes due to age or safety concerns, it is imprudent to expect the president to embark on trips using such aircraft.
Undoubtedly, ensuring the president’s safety is a sacrifice the country must make if they hold genuine regard for him. In the throes of political opposition, criticism becomes commonplace, often painting government actions as callous and unpopular. Notably, figures like Peter Obi actively engage in critiquing every facet of government decisions to sway public sentiment against the president or the APC administration.
NNPP Condemns FG
Contrary to the government’s stance, the New Nigeria People’s Party accused the APC administration of disregarding the emotional well-being of Nigerians.
In an interview with NewsNow, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of the aircraft purchase, deeming it inappropriate given the prevailing challenges faced by Nigerians. The populace’s discontent over issues like fuel subsidy removal, increased electricity tariffs, and surging food prices further exacerbates the situation.
Varied Perspectives from Aviation Experts
Echoing diverse perspectives, Dr. Kingsley Nwokeoma, President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, stressed the importance of maintaining a functional presidential fleet while ensuring financial prudence amid economic hardships.
Offering a different stance, aviation expert Mr. John Ojikutu supported the Federal Government’s decision, indicating that the funds allocated for aircraft repairs were relatively modest. He estimated the expenditure at around $14 million, amounting to approximately $2 million per aircraft for a potential fleet of five to seven planes.
- Contributing reporters: Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis, Godfrey George, Olufemi Adediran, Princess Etuk, and Imoleayo Oyedeyi