On Monday, President Tinubu left Abuja for Paris aboard the newly acquired Airbus A330. This aircraft replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) that was purchased during Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency.

According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, this information has been brought to light and is now available for viewing on Channels Television.

There are controversies surrounding the acquisition of a new aircraft by the Tinubu administration, as its justification is being questioned amidst the dire state of the country’s economy.

Critics accused the Senate of neglecting the Nigerian people by authorizing the acquisition of a new presidential aircraft during such a pressing period.

Nonetheless, Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President refuted receiving any request from the Presidency during that period. Nevertheless, he further stated that if such a proposal were to be put forward in due course then legislators would take it into account.

Onanuga’s statement affirmed the acquisition of the new aircraft that had previously been circulating as gossip.

He claims that by purchasing the new plane well below market value, Nigeria can save millions of dollars annually in maintenance and fuel expenses.

Nigeria’s parliamentary investigative hearing on the B737-700(BBJ) plane raised concerns about its safety and cost efficiency, particularly after a malfunction occurred during a trip to Saudi Arabia. As a result, it was suggested that this aircraft be replaced.

He added that the security and intelligence committee of Nigeria’s Senate proposed substitution of old aircraft in the presidential fleet as a measure to cut down on operational expenses and downtime.

It was stated by the Presidency that Tinubu would come back to Nigeria following his visit to a European country.