Abuja, Nigeria July 19, 2025
The return of President Bola Tinubu’s controversial N150 billion ($100 million) Airbus A330-200 presidential jet to Abuja has reignited public outrage over government spending priorities amid Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis. The aircraft, painted in Nigeria’s national colors and operated by the Nigerian Air Force’s elite 001 Squadron, landed at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Wednesday after months of refurbishment in South Africa.
A Luxurious Upgrade Amid Economic Hardship
The Airbus A330-200, acquired by the Tinubu administration in August 2024 to replace the aging Boeing Business Jet previously used by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, features a master bedroom, shower, conference room, and secure communication facilities. Presidency officials claim the new aircraft will reduce long-term maintenance and fuel costs, which they say have run into millions of dollars annually.
However, the aircraft’s luxury and timing have sparked renewed criticism given Nigeria’s current economic woes. Inflation has surpassed 30% in 2025, following painful economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies. Critics argue that the funds spent on the aircraft could have been redirected to pressing national issues, including salary arrears in the public sector and rising levels of hunger.
The aircraft, with tail number 5N-FGA, had been grounded since February 2025 and was quietly flown to South Africa for repainting and minor interior upgrades. Presidency sources confirmed that the aircraft has now resumed official duties following standard Air Force checks. President Tinubu was seen boarding the jet en route to Kano State, signaling its immediate return to service.
Dependency on Foreign Expertise Raises Concerns
The choice to carry out repairs abroad has exposed Nigeria’s continued dependence on foreign aviation expertise, raising questions about the country’s capacity to maintain its own fleet despite boasting Africa’s largest economy. The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, which is tasked with training aircraft maintenance engineers, has struggled to produce graduates qualified to service complex aircraft like the A330-200.
Industry experts estimate that a complete strip-and-repaint job for a wide-body aircraft of this type typically costs between $190,000 and $320,000. Despite public interest, the Presidency has not disclosed the exact figure spent on the recent refurbishment.
Beyond the financial implications, security experts have raised concerns about potential risks associated with servicing a presidential aircraft outside the country. They point to the possibility of surveillance or tampering, referencing previous global incidents where aircraft were reportedly compromised during foreign repairs.
Public Backlash and Political Criticism
Opposition political parties and civil society organizations have condemned the expenditure, labeling it a “vanity project” that reflects poor governance priorities. Critics argue that, at a time when many Nigerians are struggling to feed their families and public workers face months of unpaid wages, spending billions on luxury aircraft repairs sends the wrong message about government accountability.
The Airbus A330-200 joins an already sizable Presidential Air Fleet, which includes at least 11 aircraft—among them Agusta 101 helicopters, Falcon 7X jets, and a Gulfstream G550—three of which are reportedly unserviceable. The previous primary aircraft, a 20-year-old Boeing 737 Business Jet acquired in 2005, is currently listed for sale in Switzerland through an American broker, though no asking price has been made public.
Government Defense and Unanswered Questions
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, defended the acquisition as a long-term cost-saving measure, stating it would help reduce future maintenance expenses. However, the government has yet to fully explain the N150 billion price tag or provide transparency regarding the outsourcing of repairs to South Africa.
The timing of the jet’s return coincided with Tinubu’s condolence visit to Ogun State following the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, adding fuel to criticism over the administration’s spending decisions.
Despite previous pledges to cut the cost of governance and reduce the size of the air fleet, the Tinubu administration’s actions appear consistent with those of previous governments, raising further skepticism about the sincerity of its reform agenda.
As public dissatisfaction grows, the return of the refurbished presidential jet has become a symbol of the broader debate surrounding governance, accountability, and Nigeria’s allocation of scarce resources during difficult times.
