After weeks of silence, the Presidency finally revealed Nigeria’s newly acquired Airbus A330 on Monday, stirring debates among citizens.
Discussions about a new presidential jet ignited after the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), purchased under former President Olusegun Obasanjo nearly 19 years ago, faced a series of breakdowns during trips to Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and South Africa. What once was a symbol of prestige became an embarrassing liability for President Bola Tinubu, forcing him to rely on chartered flights.
As government officials pushed for a new aircraft, the Nigerian populace rallied against the move, deeming it an unnecessary luxury amidst dire economic struggles and a multitude of pressing issues. Their voices were loud and clear, drowning out official justifications, and the presidency retreated into silence.
In June, an online news outlet broke the story of the Nigerian government’s acquisition of the Airbus A330 from a German bank, reportedly seized from an unnamed Arabian prince who had defaulted on a hefty debt. Yet, the presidency shrouded the purchase in mystery, leaving citizens bewildered and uninformed. It wasn’t until the controversial dealings involving a Chinese firm that the public caught wind of the new aircraft, but official communication remained elusive until Monday.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, finally stepped into the limelight, releasing photos alongside a four-paragraph statement. He praised the aircraft’s purchase, claiming it was secured at a price well below market value, promising substantial savings in maintenance and fuel costs that would total in the millions yearly.
While Onanuga cited the BBJ’s aging as justification for the new purchase, experts contended that an aircraft’s age is irrelevant if it is properly maintained. A Daily Trust investigation highlighted that the U.S. President’s Boeing 747, Air Force One, is an impressive 34 years old and has served six commanders-in-chief, including Joe Biden, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.
In contrast, Nigeria’s BBJ saw a brief service under Obasanjo before transitioning through four leaders, including the late Umar Yar’Adua, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari. The stark differences in treatment of official aircraft and public resources raise important questions among citizens yearning for transparency and accountability.
Age of aircraft doesn’t matter – Expert
An aviation expert who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity insisted that the age of an aircraft does not matter as long as the maintenance schedule is strictly adhered to,
He said, “They said this one has been operating for 19 years despite the fact that US Air Force One has been operating more than that but it has been undergoing upgrade, upgrade and renovation. I hope we would have the maintenance culture to maintain the airplane because Airbus A330 is a complex airplane. I hope we would have the manpower to maintain the aircraft and keep the parts going.”
The expert who is a Captain added, “You know my stance, age doesn’t matter if the airplane is maintained according to its maintenance schedule and spare parts are provided as when due. I don’t see any problem with the age at all.”
‘Boeing more reliable than Airbus’
Another expert, who spoke anonymously, added: “Basically Boeing aircraft are more reliable and rugged than the Airbus aircraft. I believe Boeing are better and are in existence than Airbus. Also Boeing aircraft is for all weather unlike Airbus aircraft.”
‘Airplane a Nigerian property’
Weighing in on the conversation, yet another expert said, It is not a bad thing to have a new aircraft since it is not a personal property of the President.
“It is a Nigerian property. It is a good thing to have a bigger airplane but is it the right time to have it, you can ask the politicians, even if things are hard, you ask the politicians.”
Inside the new jet
The multi-engine prestige jet, which has an elaborate VIP configuration, is 15 years old. The aircraft, which now has registration number, 5N-FGA, was manufactured in September 2009 and delivered in November 2009 with the registration number, VP-CAC, to Midroc Aviation, based in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International, Saudi Arabia.
It was with the configuration, VIP; engines, 2xRR and HEX CODE, 4241AC.
The Saudi Arabian aviation company operated the aircraft for 12 years before it was acquired by AMAC Aerospace in April 2021. AMAC Aerospace is a Switzerland based company, which operated the aircraft for three years before it was acquired by the Nigerian government and upgraded to the current status.
The deal was reportedly brokered by L & L International LLC, an American aviation firm based in Miami, Florida, which saw Nigeria purchase the aircraft for over $100 million.
[DAILY TRUST]
