Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has clarified that the Federal Government did not purchase a brand-new jet for President Bola Tinubu, but instead acquired a refurbished aircraft, dispelling social media claims to the contrary. Speaking on Inside Sources on Channels Television, Onanuga emphasized that the newly acquired Airbus A330 belongs to Nigeria and was intended as a cost-saving measure.
According to Onanuga, some of the existing jets in the presidential fleet, acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, are now in poor condition, with escalating maintenance costs. To address this, President Tinubu sought National Assembly approval to purchase a refurbished jet, which is expected to reduce the government’s expenditure on maintaining older, outdated planes. “The president did not buy a new jet; it’s a refurbished jet – used by someone else previously but in better condition than the older aircraft used by President Buhari,” he explained.
Onanuga emphasized that the refurbished jet will enhance the safety of Nigeria’s leadership, ensuring that President Tinubu and future officeholders benefit from a reliable and well-maintained aircraft. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu supported the decision to switch to a refurbished jet, noting the excessive costs associated with maintaining the existing fleet.
However, the acquisition has faced criticism from citizens and political opponents who argue that the decision is ill-timed, given Nigeria’s current economic challenges. Critics pointed out that while many Nigerians are struggling with steep inflation and rising energy prices, the government’s decision to purchase a presidential aircraft reflects a disconnect from the public’s hardship.
Onanuga addressed the criticism by urging Nigerians to consider the president’s safety, saying, “We want his safety so that he can hand over to whoever wants to take over from him.” Despite the pushback, the Presidency stands by its decision, citing the refurbished plane’s benefits to Tinubu’s administration and successors.
