Investigative reports has revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration acquired a refurbished Airbus A330 as the new presidential jet, sourced from Mid East Jet in Saudi Arabia.
OsunDailyNG reports that the new aircraft was recently used for the President’s trip to France and replaces the aging 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) originally purchased during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure.
According to LEADERSHIP, investigations revealed that the Airbus A330 had previously served with Middle East Jet between November 27, 2009, and May 25, 2012.
It was then transferred to Constellah Aviation before returning to Mid East Jet in September 2014, and eventually sold to Nigeria.
The federal government officially took delivery of the aircraft on Sunday, August 18, 2024. The plane is registered with the number 5N-FGA and HEX CODE 06430C, and it was received from a factory in France.
An aviation security expert, who requested anonymity, expressed concerns about the maintenance costs associated with the Airbus A330 due to its age.
The expert suggested that the government would have been better served by purchasing a more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, which would be easier and cheaper to maintain in Nigeria.
“The presidency should have acquired a Boeing Aircraft that is easier to maintain in the country than purchasing an Airbus. Also, for security reasons too, presidential fleet aircraft maintenance too are better and safer being complied with in-house, providing the right equipment and tooling for this instead of overseas where the crew hotel accommodations, logistics, per diem and others are all inclusive because they have to be there and monitor the maintenance and security assurance,” the expert advised.
Meanwhile, the presidency had stated that the new jet was purchased at a price significantly below market value, resulting in substantial savings on maintenance and fuel expenses, which could amount to millions of dollars annually.
The decision to replace the aging B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament, which raised concerns about the plane’s safety and cost efficiency after a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended acquiring a new aircraft to reduce downtime and operational costs.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced on his X handle that the new plane features state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior, and advanced communication systems.
