Under President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government allocated N14.77bn for the repair and maintenance of the presidential air fleet over 11 months. These expenditures, processed through the State House headquarters transit account designated as ‘Presidential Air Fleet Transit Funds’, occurred in 11 installments from July 16, 2023, to May 25, 2024.
This development arises as the National Assembly considers approving the purchase of two new aircraft. This decision follows the discovery that the President's 19-year-old Boeing 737 and other aircraft in the fleet were not fully operational. According to experts, this purchase might cost over $623.4m or N918.7bn.
The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recommended the procurement of two new aircraft to ensure the safety and operational efficiency of the Presidential Air Fleet. The committee argued that this move would be cost-effective and provide a suitable and safe carrier for the President and Vice President.
Despite significant spending on the air fleet during previous administrations, there have been ongoing issues with the aircraft's availability. President Tinubu has had to charter private jets, and Vice President Shettima has had to cancel international trips due to technical problems with the official aircraft. On May 6, 2024, Shettima abandoned a trip to the US-Africa Business Summit because of such issues. President Tinubu also had to take a commercial flight to Saudi Arabia after experiencing similar problems.
The current fleet includes a Boeing 737, a Gulfstream G550, a Gulfstream GV, two Falcon 7Xs, a Challenger CL605, and six helicopters (two Agusta 139s and four Agusta 189s). Former President Buhari's administration spent N62.47bn on the fleet's operation and maintenance over eight years, despite a pledge to reduce its size. Budget allocations for the fleet increased significantly during Buhari's tenure, peaking at N12.55bn in 2021 and N12.48bn in 2022.
Using GovSpend, a civic tech platform, it was found that Tinubu approved the N14.77bn disbursement within his first year in office. This sum is separate from travel expenses incurred by the President, Vice President, and other officials. Payments included N1.52bn in July 2023, N3.1bn in August, N1.26bn in November, N2.54bn in March 2024, N6.35bn in April 2024, and N1.27bn in May 2024.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, defended the need for new aircraft, stating it was essential for the President's welfare and safety. He criticized opponents, questioning if they wanted the President to risk flying in unsafe planes.
