Nigerians Outraged Over New Presidential Plane Purchase Amid Economic Crisis

The recent acquisition of a new Airbus A330 for President Bola Tinubu has ignited significant outrage among Nigerians, coming at a time when the country is grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades.

The purchase of the plane, which adds to an existing presidential fleet of over five aircraft, has sparked criticism from citizens, especially following widespread protests earlier this month against rising hunger and the soaring cost of living.

Since taking office last year, President Tinubu has introduced several economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which have contributed to high inflation rates exceeding 30%. Despite his administration's focus on reducing government spending and stimulating long-term growth, the new aircraft purchase has been met with backlash.

Critics argue that it is hypocritical for the government to impose economic hardship on Nigerians while investing in luxury assets for the presidency. X user @Fdmlearn questioned the timing of the purchase, stating, “Wait so despite the Tinubu-led Government telling Nigerians to bear the economic hardship and wait for a better tomorrow, they were busy paying cash for a new private Jet to add to the presidential fleet that has over 6 aircrafts already?”

Another user, @RealOlaudah, expressed anger over the purchase, saying, “Let's tell ourselves the truth. Tinubu's new Airbus presidential aircraft purchase for N150 billion at a time of penury, hunger, and want shows how wicked, selfish, self-indulgent, and insensitive to the plight of the average Nigerian he really is.”

In defense, @Timi_The_Law supported the purchase, emphasizing that the plane belongs to the office of the president and not to Tinubu personally. “Tinubu's decision to buy a new plane is the right one. The plane belongs to the office of the president, and future presidents will enjoy it,” he posted.

The cost of the plane has not been disclosed, nor has the reason for President Tinubu’s trip to France on the new aircraft. There is also uncertainty about whether the purchase was approved by lawmakers or included in the recent budget adjustments.

President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, defended the purchase, stating that the new plane, bought below market price, would actually save the country significant maintenance and fuel costs. The aircraft, a 15-year-old model with VIP configurations, replaces a 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700 and was released to the Nigerian government after being seized by a Chinese firm over an investment dispute.

In June, Nigerian lawmakers had recommended acquiring new aircraft for the president and vice president due to safety concerns with the aging fleet. The recent supplementary budget raised the 2024 budget significantly, but it remains unclear if the purchase was included.

The BBC has reached out to the Senate President and the Office of the National Security Adviser for comments but has not yet received a response.