President Bola Tinubu faced travel disruptions as he attended an economic summit in Saudi Arabia, resorting to a charter jet after technical issues with his luxury aircraft fleet, informed sources revealed to Peoples Gazette.
Arriving in The Hague on April 23 for diplomatic engagements, Tinubu encountered plane troubles just before departing the Netherlands. Technical complications, including an oxygen leak, grounded his government aircraft, necessitating a charter jet for his delegation’s journey to the World Economic Forum in Riyadh.
Departing Rotterdam on a private Falcon 8X 9H-GRC jet, Tinubu and his aides joined the summit, while ministers and officials traveled separately due to the aircraft snag.
The Gulfstream G550 aircraft, originally allocated to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, served Tinubu’s trip due to maintenance on his dedicated Boeing 737. This Boeing, under repair since March, remains abroad, awaiting its return to Nigeria after repairs.
This incident adds to the history of presidential fleet woes. Maintenance records show frequent repairs on the Boeing 737, a luxury aircraft serving Nigerian presidents since 2005.
With over $8 million spent on repairs since December 2022 alone, concerns arise over the fiscal prudence of maintaining aging aircraft. Calls for a new presidential plane echo, citing safety, cost, and Nigeria’s global image.
While Tinubu fulfills duties amidst plane issues, officials worry about potential catastrophes and advocate for fleet renewal. Nigeria’s aviation history underscores the importance of reliable air travel for its leaders.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns in Nigerian aviation since Vice President Osinbajo’s 2019 helicopter crash, prompting scrutiny of maintenance standards.
