Tinubu Jets to Paris in Newly Acquired N150 Billion Airbus Amidst Economic Struggles | #NwokeukwuMascot

 News 

Tinubu Departs for Paris on Newly Acquired N150 Billion Airbus A330 Amidst Economic Challenges | #NwokeukwuMascot

File Image

In a move likely to stir public debate amidst Nigeria's ongoing economic difficulties, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Monday for a diplomatic visit to Paris, France. The President’s departure will be marked by the use of the newly acquired Airbus A330, a state-of-the-art aircraft that recently joined the presidential fleet at a reported cost of N150 billion.

The new Airbus A330, which touched down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday evening, represents a significant upgrade from the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) that has been in service since the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The aircraft departed from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg in France at 4:16 pm and arrived in Abuja at 8:29 pm, signaling the end of an era for the aging Boeing jet.

The decision to replace the Boeing B737-700 with the more modern and spacious Airbus A330 comes at a time when the country is grappling with severe economic challenges, including high inflation, currency devaluation, and widespread poverty. 

While the government has defended the purchase as necessary for the safety and efficiency of presidential travel, critics argue that such an expenditure is ill-timed given the prevailing economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.

The Airbus A330 is renowned for its advanced avionics and customized interior, offering enhanced communications systems and comfort. 

The jet's acquisition underscores the government's priority on ensuring the President's mobility and security on international engagements, which are seen as crucial to advancing Nigeria's diplomatic and economic interests.

However, the timing of this purchase is likely to raise questions about the administration's spending priorities. As Nigerians continue to feel the pinch of the country’s economic woes, with many struggling to afford basic necessities, the arrival of a new luxury jet may be viewed as a tone-deaf move by some segments of the population.

President Tinubu’s trip to Paris, where he is expected to engage in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral relations with France and attracting foreign investment, will no doubt be closely watched. However, the shadow of the N150 billion expenditure on the Airbus A330 may loom large, potentially overshadowing the intended diplomatic outcomes of the visit.

The administration’s decision to proceed with this purchase, despite the economic challenges, may well reflect its broader strategy to project strength and stability on the international stage. Yet, it remains to be seen whether this approach will resonate with a domestic audience increasingly concerned about the government's commitment to addressing their immediate needs amidst the ongoing economic downturn.

———