President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Monday for France aboard the newly acquired presidential jet, marking a significant upgrade from the previous aircraft.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, it was revealed that the new jet is an Airbus A330, which replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 purchased during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Onanuga highlighted the financial benefits of the new aircraft, noting that it would save Nigeria “huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly” that were previously spent on servicing the old jet.
The acquisition of the new presidential jet follows recommendations made in June by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
The committee had urged the federal government to procure new aircraft for President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, citing the age and rising maintenance costs of the existing fleet.
