Tinubu jets out to France in newly acquired presidential jet

The presidency has announced that President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja Monday for Paris, France using the newly acquired Airbus A330 believed to cost N150 billion.

 

According to a post on the X handle of Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Strategy, the new Airbus that Tinubu is travelling with replaces the 19-year-old Boeing  B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

 

Onanuga said the Airbus was bought below the market price but failed to mention how much was expended on the acquisition.

 

Onanuga said: “The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.

 

“The recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament that questioned the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia.

 

 

“The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses.

 

“The new plane is spacious and is furnished with state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior and communications system.”