In the midst of Nigeria’s economic struggles and the capital poverty in the world, President Bola Tinubu has sparked controversy by replacing the country’s 19-year-old Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) with a newly purchased Airbus A330.
This move comes despite public opposition and widespread poverty, drawing comparisons to the United States, where President Joe Biden continues to use a 34-year-old presidential aircraft.
The presidency had remained silent for weeks following the acquisition, but has now officially unveiled the Airbus A330, purchased to replace the aging BBJ. The need for a new plane arose after the BBJ, which had been in service since the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, experienced multiple mechanical issues during trips to Saudi Arabia, The Netherlands, and South Africa. These incidents forced President Tinubu to charter flights, a situation the presidency found “embarrassing.”
Despite significant public outcry and debates over national priorities, the government proceeded with the purchase. Nigerians questioned the necessity of acquiring a new aircraft at a time when the country faces severe economic hardships. However, reports from June revealed that the government had quietly secured the Airbus A330 from a German bank, after the plane had been repossessed from an unnamed Arabian prince over a defaulted debt.
The silence was broken this week when Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, released images of the new jet. Onanuga defended the acquisition, noting that the aircraft was bought well below market price, emphasizing future savings in maintenance and fuel costs, which would reportedly save millions of dollars annually. He also cited the BBJ’s advanced age as a pressing concern.
While the Nigerian government proceeded with the acquisition of the new jet, the U.S. continues to rely on its 34-year-old Air Force One—a Boeing 747 that has served six presidents, including the current President Joe Biden. This long-serving aircraft has been operational since the George H.W. Bush administration (1989-1993), enduring through multiple U.S. presidents without a replacement, a stark contrast to Nigeria’s decision to upgrade its fleet.
The newly acquired Airbus A330 is expected to take over presidential duties, retiring the older BBJ that has transported Nigeria’s leaders for nearly two decades.
