The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu's administration, has allocated N14.77 billion for the repair and maintenance of the presidential air fleet over the past 11 months, according to a State House report.
Between July 16, 2023, and May 25, 2024, 11 payments were made from the State House headquarters transit account designated for the 'Presidential Air Fleet Transit Funds.'
This expenditure comes as the National Assembly considers approving the purchase of two new aircraft due to the aging and dysfunctional condition of the current fleet, including the President’s 19-year-old Boeing 737. The proposed new aircraft are expected to cost over $623.4 million (N918.7 billion).
The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence supports the purchase, citing the importance of maintaining a functional and safe presidential fleet. “The committee believes that procuring two additional aircraft is in the country's best interest for both cost-efficiency and safety,” a report from the committee stated.
Recent issues with the presidential fleet have led to President Tinubu chartering private jets and Vice President Shettima abandoning international trips. On May 6, 2024, Shettima canceled his trip to the US-Africa Business Summit due to technical issues with his aircraft. Similarly, President Tinubu had to take a commercial flight to Saudi Arabia after his luxury jet was under maintenance and a backup plane developed technical problems in the Netherlands.
The presidency currently operates a fleet of six aircraft and six helicopters. The previous administration under President Buhari spent N62.47 billion on the fleet's operation and maintenance over eight years, despite promises to reduce its size.
In the 2023 budget, N8.07 billion was allocated for the presidential air fleet. However, records show that under President Tinubu, N14.77 billion has already been spent on maintenance within a year, as tracked by GovSpend, a civic tech platform.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, defended the need for a new aircraft, emphasizing the President's safety. "This is a basic necessity for any sane government," he said.
Opposition parties, including the Labour Party and New Nigeria People’s Party, have criticized the government's plan to acquire new jets. Labour Party's Peter Obi and National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh argued that it is a misplaced priority given the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
In response, the APC highlighted the importance of the President's safety, citing recent fatal crashes involving world leaders due to old aircraft. Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC National Vice-Chairman (South-East), stressed that ensuring the President's safety is non-negotiable.
Aviation experts are divided on the issue. While some argue for moderation in the financial outlay, others, like Dr. Kingsley Nwokeoma and Mr. John Ojikutu, believe the expenditure is justified given the need for safe and reliable presidential aircraft.
