President Tinubu will make his Paris trip aboard the newly commissioned presidential jet. Get the details on this significant voyage.
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu will embark on a trip to Paris, France utilizing Nigeria’s recently acquired presidential plane – his inaugural voyage outside of the country using this mode of transportation.
On Sunday night, Ajuri Ngelale, spokesperson for the President, made an announcement. However, no information regarding the length of time that President Tinubu will be staying in France or his agenda was disclosed. The plan is for the president to return home after a “short work visit.”
President Tinubu will take his first flight on the newly acquired Airbus A330, which is now known as Nigeria’s Airforce One and has been given registration number 5N-NGA. The airplane arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja on Sunday evening where it was welcomed by members of Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet, led by Air Vice Marshal Olayinka Olusola.
Considerable debate has been sparked by Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus A330, which is a significant upgrade from the 19-year-old B737-700 (BBJ) previously used by Nigerian presidents. The plane was repossessed from an indebted oil sheikh who had put it up as collateral for a loan he took from a German bank.
The deal to purchase the aircraft at over $100 million – significantly less than its estimated market value of $600 million – was brokered by American aviation company L & L International LLC.
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According to an official in charge of presidency affairs, this transaction can be considered highly beneficial because this advanced VIP configured airplane has great overall value and capabilities compared with other models available on market currently
The House of Representatives’ National Security and Intelligence Committee recommended acquiring a new presidential jet due to safety concerns surrounding the ageing presidential fleet. The committee conducted an investigative hearing, concluding that two outdated aircraft needed immediate replacement in order to reduce operational costs while ensuring top officials’ utmost safety.
During June, the House Committee suggested that two new planes be obtained for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Unfortunately, some Nigerian citizens raised objections to this proposal due to economic difficulties being experienced at the time. The Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence supported the House’s recommendation despite public criticism.
To fund the recent purchases, the government’s initial decision was to dispose of three older aircraft from its Presidential Air Fleet. Moreover, President Tinubu made a request approved by the National Assembly to extend 2023 supplementary budget lifespan until December 31st while allowing access into N180 billion contingency funds meant for acquiring new jets.
Although there are ongoing debates concerning the wisdom of buying a new presidential aircraft in today’s economic climate, those within the presidency have justified its purchase. An anonymous government representative has stated that Nigeria’s acquisition of a new Airbus A330 is “a wise investment”, as it improves safety and comfort while simultaneously projecting a favorable image on the international scene.
President Tinubu is expected to embark on his Paris trip using the newly acquired jet, sparking ongoing conversations about how this acquisition could impact Nigeria’s economy and international influence.
