New presidential jet will save Nigeria huge maintenance, fuel costs – Onanuga

THE NATION

President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has said that the new presidential jet will save Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly noting that it was bought far below the market price.

In a post on his X handle on Monday, the President’s spokesman said the aircraft was bought following recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) after an investigative hearing by the National Assembly.

According to him, the legislative arm of the government had questioned the aircraft’s safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during Tinubu’s trip to Saudi Arabia.

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.