Nigerians Outraged by Federal Government’s Plan to Acquire New Presidential Jets

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recently ignited controversy by recommending the purchase of two new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Nigerians reacted with outrage when the committee’s recommendation became public. This recommendation was part of a report from the committee’s investigation into the status of the presidential air fleet.

“The committee strongly believes that, given the fragile nature of the Nigerian federation and the severe consequences of any potential technical or operational failure of the presidential air fleet, it is in the nation’s best interest to procure two additional aircraft as recommended. This move will also be cost-efficient in the long run, besides providing a suitable, comfortable, and safe means of transport for the president and vice-president,” the report stated.

In May, the lower chamber of the National Assembly mandated the committee to investigate the airworthiness and technical status of the presidential fleet. This assignment was initiated by a motion from Satomi Ahmed, Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, following reports of faulty aircraft in the fleet, which led the President to charter a plane from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia during a recent trip.

The recommendation sparked heated debate in the House, with some lawmakers suggesting the President should travel via commercial aircraft or by road. Ultimately, the committee was assigned to investigate and report on the fleet’s condition. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Shehu Buba Umar, also supported the recommendation.

The news provoked widespread criticism from Nigerians, who argued that the President should not spend money on luxury items while asking citizens to be patient with the government. Critics contended that the timing was inappropriate, given the severe economic hardships many Nigerians face, with some struggling to afford even one meal a day.

The Organised Labour and the Federal Government are currently at odds over a new national minimum wage, with Labour demanding N250,000 and the government offering N62,000 due to economic constraints. Critics question the rationale behind purchasing new aircraft when the government claims it cannot afford a modest wage increase for workers.

Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), condemned the plan, stating there was no moral justification for asking Nigerians to make further sacrifices while leaders indulge in luxury. He argued that the government must lead by example by cutting back on such expenses.

Human rights lawyer Kunle Edun highlighted that the provisions of the amended Cybercrime Act, despite being aimed at combating electronic fraud and other crimes, threaten freedom of speech and journalism. He criticized the misuse of the Act against journalists and emphasized the need for amendments to protect free speech.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), through spokesman Benson Upah, accused the government and ruling elite of prioritizing luxury over citizens’ needs. He pointed out that leaders in other countries, like Kenya, fly commercial planes to save money for their nations.

Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also condemned the plan, describing it as insensitive to the suffering of Nigerians. He called on the government to focus on alleviating the hardships faced by citizens rather than wasting money on luxuries.

Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), and Alhaji Yerima Shettima, President of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), also criticized the plan, urging the President to be more sensitive to the economic challenges facing the country and to avoid unnecessary expenditures.

Overall, the recommendation to purchase new presidential aircraft has been widely denounced as insensitive and ill-timed, given the current economic difficulties and widespread poverty in Nigeria.