The Nigerian government has officially confirmed the acquisition of a new Airbus A330 to replace the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) that had served as one of the three presidential jets. The older aircraft, originally purchased during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, had become increasingly costly and inefficient to maintain.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, made the announcement on Monday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He revealed that President Tinubu departed Abuja for Paris, France, aboard the newly acquired Airbus A330, which was purchased at a price significantly below its market value.
“The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly,” Onanuga stated in his post. He emphasized that the decision to replace the aging B737-700 was driven by concerns about safety and cost efficiency, which were highlighted during an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament.
The hearing, conducted by the Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee, raised serious questions regarding the safety record of the older jet, particularly after it experienced a malfunction during a critical trip to Saudi Arabia. The committee recommended the replacement of the outdated aircraft to minimize downtime and reduce the operational expenses associated with its frequent maintenance needs.
The new Airbus A330, described as spacious and equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior, and an advanced communications system, is expected to offer a more modern, reliable, and efficient option for presidential travel.
In addition to its advanced features, the new jet is anticipated to save Nigeria millions of dollars annually in both maintenance and fuel costs, making it a more sustainable and economical choice.
The acquisition of the new jet follows recent developments where one of Nigeria’s presidential jets was detained in France due to a legal dispute involving the Ogun State Government and a Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited. The aircraft was eventually released as a goodwill gesture ahead of President Tinubu’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Despite the controversy surrounding the expenditure of over N150 billion on the new presidential jet, especially amidst economic challenges and record inflation in Nigeria, the government defended the purchase as a necessary step to ensure the safety and efficiency of presidential travel.
The Airbus A330, which was reportedly acquired from a German bank following the default of a multi-million-dollar loan by an Arab prince and businessman, is designed for the highly demanding VIP and private markets. The aircraft combines new-generation engines, advanced aerodynamics, and other improvements to deliver top-end luxury, comfort, and efficiency.
As President Tinubu embarks on this new chapter of presidential travel, the acquisition of the Airbus A330 marks a significant upgrade in Nigeria’s aviation capabilities, reflecting the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards in its operations.
