The Nigerian Presidency on Monday unveiled a newly acquired Airbus A330 for President Bola Tinubu, replacing the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) that had been in service since the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who shared images of the new presidential jet on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
Onanuga noted that the decision to purchase the new aircraft was driven by the need to reduce the high maintenance and fuel costs associated with the ageing Boeing B737-700, which had raised safety and efficiency concerns in recent years. The recommendation to replace the old jet came after a parliamentary investigative hearing that questioned its safety record and cost-effectiveness, particularly following a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
According to Onanuga, the new Airbus A330, which was acquired at a price significantly below the market value, will save Nigeria millions of dollars annually in maintenance and fuel expenses. The jet is described as spacious, with state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior, and an advanced communications system.
“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,” Onanuga wrote. “The new plane bought far below the market price saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.”
Despite the details provided, Onanuga did not disclose the exact amount spent by the Nigerian government on the new jet.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has already embarked on his first journey aboard the new aircraft, departing the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 4:08 p.m. on Monday for Paris, France. This marks his fourth visit to the European country since taking office.
