Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, reveals justification for acquiring new Presidential jet.
According to Onanuga, the new Airbus A330 saves Nigeria millions of dollars in maintenance and fuel costs annually, Onanuga said.
The 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 was replaced due to safety concerns, high maintenance costs, and a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia, prompting a parliamentary recommendation.
He further stated that 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 new plane was bought below market price, reducing operational expenses and downtime, with features including state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior, and advanced communications system.
The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended the replacement to enhance the presidential fleet’s efficiency, with the new plane offering a spacious and modern alternative.
