President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia for an economic summit, was allegedly flawed due to aircraft mishaps, prompting him to rely on commercial aviation operators and charter jets to reach his destination.
The president’s main luxury jet, a Boeing 737 business jet class operated by the Nigerian Air Force 001, has been under maintenance for several weeks, while a second aircraft developed technical issues, including an oxygen leak, in the Netherlands, according to a report.
As a result, President Tinubu and his delegation had to leave behind the Nigerian government’s aircraft and use a charter jet company to facilitate their onward journey to Saudi Arabia for the World Economic Forum in Riyadh.
The president and some of his aides traveled on a Falcon 8X 9H-GRC private jet, while others, including ministers and high-ranking officials, used separate support aircraft and commercial airlines.
This incident is not the first for the presidential air fleet, which has been plagued by maintenance issues and repairs over the years.
According to records, the Boeing 737 has been taken for extensive repairs at least seven times over the past three years, with over $8 million spent fixing the plane since December 2022 alone.
The Nigerian presidential air fleet, renowned for its historical significance, faces ongoing challenges due to reliability issues, particularly with the aging Boeing 737 business jet class operated by the Nigerian Air Force 001.
Ordered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and delivered on April 14, 2005, the Boeing 737 has been a fixture in the presidential fleet, serving all Nigerian presidents throughout the uninterrupted Fourth Republic. Despite its longevity, concerns about its reliability have persisted over the years.
The aircraft’s age has become a focal point of discussion, highlighting the need for modernization and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of presidential travel. As one of the oldest aircraft in the fleet, its continued operation raises questions about its ability to meet the demands of executive travel in the 21st century.
While the Boeing 737 holds a significant place in the history of the Nigerian presidency, its reputation has been tarnished by reports of frequent breakdowns and maintenance issues. These challenges have led to instances where alternative means of transportation, such as commercial aviation operators and charter jets, have been utilized to facilitate presidential travel.
As discussions surrounding the modernization and maintenance of the presidential air fleet continue, stakeholders emphasize the importance of investing in newer aircraft and implementing rigorous maintenance protocols to address the reliability concerns that have plagued the fleet in recent years.
This recent incident involving the Nigerian presidential air fleet has reignited discussions about the considerable expenses associated with its maintenance. With over $8 million allocated to repairs since December 2022 alone, concerns are mounting over the justification of such expenditure.
The incident has sparked a debate among experts and citizens alike, questioning whether the hefty investment in maintaining the presidential air fleet is warranted, particularly in light of Nigeria’s status as the world’s poverty capital, with a population of 230 million.
However, amidst ongoing debates about the maintenance costs of the Nigerian presidential air fleet, President Tinubu and his delegation have arrived in Saudi Arabia to participate in the World Economic Forum. This forum serves as a platform for engaging in critical economic and diplomatic discussions with world leaders.
