PUNCH
The Presidency, on Monday, unveiled the new Airbus A330 purchased for President Bola Tinubu.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released the pictures of the presidential jet via his verified X handle on Monday.
The presidential aide stated that the new jet replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Onanuga, however, did not reveal the amount spent by the Nigerian government to acquire the new presidential jet.
According to Onanuga, the new jet saved Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.
He wrote, “President Tinubu departed Abuja Monday for Paris, France, using the new Airbus A330, which replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“The new plane bought far below the market price saves 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.
“The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses.
“The new plane is spacious and is furnished with state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior and communications system.”
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