Presidency unveils new Presidential jet

The Presidency has unveiled the new Airbus A330 purchased under President Bola Tinubu.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who released the pictures on Monday said it replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Onanuga, who did not disclose the amount the aircraft was purchased, said the new plane was bought far below the market price.

He said it saved Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.

“The recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament that questioned the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia,” he said.

“The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses.”

A top government official said the aircraft could have been purchased under the Service Wide Vote, which may not require the National Assembly approval.