Despite the height of economic hardship in the country, the federal government of Nigeria is set to splurge over N12.5 billion on the presidential air fleet after the approval of N1.5 billion for cars for the office of the First Lady, and N2.9 billion on presidential villa SUVs.
The amount for the presidential air fleet was included in the supplementary budget that was sent to the National Assembly, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council at the meeting held on Monday, 30th October 2023.
Since his inauguration on the 29th of May 2023 to date, the price of petrol has increased by over 400% following the fuel subsidy removal. However, the president, his aides, and some government officials have repeatedly pleaded with Nigerians to remain patient, reminding citizens that the current situation is temporary.
Yet, almost N13 billion is being allocated to a supposed presidential air fleet that consists of a Boeing Business Jet (Boeing 737-800 or NAF 001), one Gulfstream 550, one Gulfstream, V (Gulfstream 500), two Falcons 7X, one Hawker Sidley 4000, two AgustaWestland AW 139 helicopters and two AgustaWestland AW 101 helicopters.
A few weeks back, the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu came under attack for using one of the presidential jets for the private purpose of flying to Kano to watch the finals of the 2023 Kano International Polo Tournament.
Concerning the almost N13 billion that the presidency has budgeted for these air fleets, there’s no certainty that the National Assembly will be able to push back the president’s set budget of N75 billion to purchase luxurious official SUVs for the 469 lawmakers across the country.
