The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has recommended the acquisition of new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The recommendation comes after an investigation into the status of the presidential air fleet, which revealed the need for additional aircraft to ensure the safety and comfort of the President and Vice President.
The committee’s report states that the current fleet is inadequate and that purchasing new aircraft would be cost-efficient and provide a suitable carrier for the President and Vice President. The recommendation was sequel to a motion sponsored by Satomi Ahmed, chairman of the House Committee, which followed reports of faulty aircraft in the presidential fleet.
The House of Representatives had mandated the committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the aircraft in the presidential fleet to ascertain their airworthiness and technical status. The investigation was prompted by reports of faulty aircraft, which forced the President to use a chartered plane from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia during his recent trip abroad.
Some lawmakers had suggested that the President should travel via commercial aircraft or by road, but the committee’s recommendation highlights the importance of having a dedicated and safe carrier for the President and Vice President. The recommendation has been forwarded to the Federal Government for implementation.
