It has been revealed that the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Monday to Paris, France using the new Airbus A330 plane.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga who disclosed this on his social media platforms said this newly purchased plane replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Presidency revealed further that the newly purchased plane was bought far below the market price, saving the Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.
Onanuga said, “The recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament that questioned the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency, especially after malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
“The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses.
“The new plane is spacious and is furnished with the state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior and communications system”, the Presidency narrated.
Tinubu who departed the capital, Abuja for France on a private visit, as stated in earlier statement by the Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale indicated that, the President will return to the country after his brief work stay in France.
