President Tinubu To Embark On Paris Trip Aboard New Presidential Jet—-President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja for a visit to Paris, France, on Monday, marking his first journey aboard Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential jet.

The announcement was made by the President’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, on Sunday night. However, details regarding the duration of President Tinubu’s stay or the nature of his engagements in France were not disclosed. The President is expected to return to Nigeria after what has been described as a “brief work stay.”

This trip will be President Tinubu’s inaugural flight on the newly acquired Airbus A330, which has now become Nigeria’s Airforce One, bearing the registration number 5N-NGA. The jet arrived at the presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, on Sunday evening, and was received by officials of Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet, led by Air Vice Marshal Olayinka Olusola.

The acquisition of this aircraft, a significant upgrade from the 19-year-old B737-700 (BBJ) previously used by Nigerian presidents, has sparked considerable debate. The Airbus A330 was repossessed from an indebted oil sheikh who had used the plane as collateral for a loan from a German bank. The deal, brokered by the American aviation firm L & L International LLC, saw Nigeria purchase the aircraft for over $100 million, significantly below its estimated market value of $600 million. A presidency official described the deal as highly beneficial, considering the aircraft’s advanced VIP configuration and overall value.

The decision to acquire a new presidential jet stemmed from recommendations by the House of Representatives’ National Security and Intelligence Committee, which had expressed concerns about the safety and cost efficiency of the ageing presidential fleet. Following an investigative hearing, the committee advised replacing at least two of the fleet’s outdated and unserviceable aircraft to reduce operational expenses and ensure the safety of the country’s top officials.

In June, the House Committee formally recommended that the federal government procure two new aircraft for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. However, the recommendation faced criticism from some Nigerians who questioned the rationale behind purchasing new jets during a period of severe economic challenges. Despite the backlash, the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence endorsed the House’s recommendation.

To finance the new acquisitions, the government initially planned to sell three of the older aircraft in the Presidential Air Fleet. Additionally, the National Assembly approved a request from President Tinubu to extend the lifespan of the 2023 supplementary budget to December 31, enabling the government to tap into the N180 billion contingency fund to cover the cost of the new jet.

Despite ongoing debates about the prudence of purchasing a new presidential jet in the current economic climate, officials within the presidency have defended the acquisition. According to an unnamed official, the new Airbus A330 represents a “prudent investment” for Nigeria, offering enhanced safety, comfort, and efficiency while projecting a positive image of the country on the global stage.

As President Tinubu prepares for his Paris trip aboard the new jet, discussions about the broader implications of this acquisition on Nigeria’s economy and global standing are likely to continue.