The Nigerian government’s purchase of a new presidential plane has ignited public outrage across the country, coming at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with the worst economic crisis in a generation.
President Bola Tinubu, elected last year to lead Africa’s most populous nation, departed for France on Monday aboard a newly acquired Airbus A330. The plane is the latest addition to a presidential fleet that already includes more than five aircraft.
The timing of the purchase has drawn sharp criticism, occurring less than two weeks after thousands of Nigerians took to the streets to protest rising hunger and soaring living costs. Inflation in the country currently exceeds 30%, a situation exacerbated by recent economic reforms including the removal of fuel subsidies.
Tinubu has defended these reforms as necessary measures to reduce government spending and stimulate long-term growth. In January, he announced a 60% reduction in the size of official travel delegations, including his own entourage, as part of cost-cutting measures.
The cost of the new aircraft has not been disclosed, nor has the reason for the president’s trip to France. This lack of transparency has further fueled public discontent.
Social media platforms have become a focal point for Nigerians expressing their frustration. One user on X (formerly Twitter), @Fdmlearn, commented, “Wait so despite the Tinubu led Government telling Nigerians to bear the economic hardship and wait for a better tomorrow, they were busy paying cash for a new private Jet to add to the presidential fleet that has over 6 aircraft’s already?”
Another user, @RealOlaudah, was more direct in their criticism: “Let’s tell ourselves the truth. Tinubu’s new Airbus presidential aircraft purchase for N150 billion at a time of penury, hunger, and want shows how wicked, selfish, self-indulgent, and insensitive to the plight of the average Nigerian he really is.”
However, some Nigerians have defended the purchase. User @Timi_The_Law argued, “Tinubu’s decision to buy a new plane is the right one. The plane belongs to the office of the president, and future presidents will enjoy it.”
The presidential office has attempted to justify the acquisition. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s media aide, stated on X that the new plane would actually save money: “The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.”
The 15-year-old Airbus A330, with a reported market value of $600 million, replaces a 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700. It was recently released to the Nigerian government after being seized by a Chinese firm due to an investment dispute with Ogun state in southwest Nigeria.
In June, Nigerian lawmakers recommended the purchase of two new aircraft for the president and his deputy, citing safety concerns with the old fleet. Last month, a supplementary budget was passed, raising the 2024 budget from 28.7 trillion naira ($18 billion) to 35.06 trillion naira. It remains unclear if the plane purchase was included in this budget.
The controversy surrounding the new presidential aircraft underscores the delicate balance between government expenditure and public perception, especially during times of economic hardship. As Nigeria continues to navigate its economic challenges, the debate over government spending and priorities is likely to remain at the forefront of national discourse.
The BBC has reached out to the Senate President and the Office of the National Security Adviser for comment but has yet to receive a response.
A bbc.com report
