Reactions over newly acquired N150bn presidential jet amid ravaging hardship in Nigeria

Widespread outrage has followed the unveiling of President Bola Tinubu’s new Airbus A330 presidential jet. The purchase has sparked significant backlash, especially as the country grapples with economic difficulties.

On Monday night, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, shared images of the new jet via his verified X account. He stated that the new jet replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) bought by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Onanuga claimed that the new aircraft would save Nigeria substantial maintenance and fuel costs, amounting to millions of dollars annually. However, he faced criticism over claims that the purchase lacked National Assembly approval. Onanuga countered that the Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee had recommended the replacement of the aging aircraft to reduce operational expenses and downtime.

Despite this, Senate President Godswill Akpabio publicly denied receiving any such request. On June 27, Akpabio stated that no request for a new presidential jet had been submitted to the Senate, dismissing it as a misunderstanding or misinformation. Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele also refuted claims of a request, attributing the issue to misinformation and propaganda.

Reports indicate that no parliamentary debate preceded the arrival of the Airbus A330, which cost over $100 million (approximately N159 billion). This purchase has been criticized, especially given the ongoing economic crisis that has led to widespread hardship and protests over food scarcity. The recent removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, has exacerbated the situation, leading to increased public discontent.

Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili condemned the purchase, calling it an example of “latest profligacy” and questioning any justification provided by President Tinubu. Ezekwesili criticized the expenditure, arguing that it was insensitive to the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju likened Tinubu’s actions to those of former military leader Sani Abacha, accusing the President of excessive indulgence within his first year in office. Adeyanju expressed frustration over the lavish spending amid widespread economic struggles.

Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), also criticized the administration for its spending priorities. He highlighted the contrast between the acquisition of luxury items like a presidential jet and bulletproof vehicle and the ongoing economic crisis affecting Nigerians.

Labour Party chieftain Okon Fredrick echoed these sentiments, accusing the government of insensitivity. He argued that the purchase of a new jet at such a high cost, shortly after widespread protests over hunger, demonstrated a disregard for the plight of the citizens.

Fredrick emphasized that the government’s actions contradicted its calls for patience and understanding from the public, asserting that the leadership’s focus seemed to be on personal luxuries rather than addressing pressing national issues.