The recent acquisition of a new plane for President Bola Tinubu has sparked significant outrage among Nigerians, particularly given the country’s severe economic crisis.
The purchase of the Airbus A330 occurred less than two weeks after widespread protests against soaring hunger and living costs.
Since his election last year, President Tinubu has implemented various economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, leading to inflation rates surpassing 30%. These measures, aimed at reducing government expenditure and fostering long-term growth, have been met with mixed reactions from the public.
In January, President Tinubu had announced a 60% cut in official travel delegations, including his own. However, on Monday, he traveled to France aboard the newly acquired Airbus A330, which joins a presidential fleet already consisting of over five aircraft. The cost of the plane and the purpose of his trip remain undisclosed.
The new purchase has been criticized by many on social media. X user @Fdmlearn questioned the fairness of the government’s economic austerity measures while investing in a new aircraft: “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, expressed stronger discontent, accusing the president of insensitivity: “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.”
In contrast, @Timi_The_Law defended the purchase, arguing that the plane, intended for the office rather than the individual, represents a long-term investment: “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.”
It remains unclear whether the purchase was authorized by lawmakers, as it was not mentioned in this year’s budget. President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, asserted that the new plane would ultimately be cost-effective, citing lower maintenance and fuel expenses: “The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.”
The Airbus A330, recently seized by a Chinese firm due to a legal dispute, replaces the aging Boeing BBJ 737-700. With a market value of $600 million, the new jet is expected to reduce the high maintenance costs associated with the older fleet. In June, lawmakers had recommended purchasing two new aircraft for presidential use, citing safety concerns with the current ones. Last month, a supplementary budget was passed, increasing the 2024 budget from 28.7 trillion naira to 35.06 trillion naira, though it is unclear if this included the plane’s cost.
