NIGERIANS have reacted with widespread anger following the purchase of a new plane for President Bola Tinubu at a time when the nation is grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades. The acquisition comes just weeks after nationwide protests erupted over rising hunger and the soaring cost of living.
President Tinubu, who was elected last year to lead Africa’s most populous country, has implemented several controversial economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which have fuelled inflation now exceeding 30 percent. While the president argues that these reforms are essential to curb government spending and foster long-term economic growth, the timing of the plane purchase has sparked significant public outcry.
Earlier this year, Tinubu announced a 60 percent reduction in the size of official travel delegations, including his own entourage, as part of efforts to cut costs. Despite this, on Monday, the president departed for France aboard a newly acquired Airbus A330, adding to the presidential fleet, which already boasts more than five aircraft.
The cost of the plane has not been disclosed, nor has the reason for the president’s trip. The lack of transparency has only fuelled public frustration.
Social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their discontent. User @Fdmlearn criticised the government’s decision, stating, ‘Despite the Tinubu-led government telling Nigerians to bear economic hardship, they were busy paying cash for a new private jet to add to the presidential fleet that already has over six aircraft.’
Another user, @RealOlaudah, voiced even stronger condemnation: ‘Tinubu’s new Airbus purchase for N150 billion during a time of penury, hunger, and want shows how wicked, selfish, and insensitive to the plight of the average Nigerian he really is.’
However, not everyone shares this view. Supporters like @Timi_The_Law argue that the plane purchase is justified, emphasising that it belongs to the office of the president, not Tinubu personally. ‘The plane will benefit future presidents as well,’ he posted.
The purchase’s legality is also under scrutiny, as it remains unclear whether lawmakers approved the expenditure, which was not mentioned in the 2024 budget. In response to the growing criticism, President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, defended the decision, claiming that the new plane would actually save the country money. ‘The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly,’ he said in a statement on X.
The newly acquired presidential jet was recently handed over to the Nigerian government after being seized by a Chinese firm, Zhangson Investment Co. Limited. The firm had obtained a Paris court order to seize Nigerian government assets following an investment dispute with Ogun State in southwest Nigeria.
Valued at $600 million, the 15-year-old Airbus A330 has a specialised configuration for VIPs and replaces the country’s 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700. Nigerian officials have previously cited the high maintenance costs of the ageing presidential fleet as a concern.
In June, lawmakers recommended the purchase of two new aircraft for the president and his deputy, citing safety concerns with the old planes. Last month, the National Assembly passed a supplementary budget that increased the 2024 budget from 28.7 trillion naira ($18bn) to 35.06 trillion naira. However, it is unclear if the funds for the new plane were included in this budget.
Reuters
