The spending of N14.77 billion on the repair and maintenance of the presidential air fleet over an 11-month period under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration highlights the significant costs associated with maintaining the fleet. The payments, processed through the State House headquarters' 'Presidential Air Fleet Transit Funds' account, underscore the ongoing expenses required to keep the fleet operational. This comes at a time when the National Assembly is considering the purchase of two new aircraft to replace the President's 19-year-old Boeing 737 and other dysfunctional aircraft in the fleet.
The potential purchase, projected to cost over $623.4 million or N918.7 billion, indicates the magnitude of investment required for the fleet's modernization. The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has already included this in its technical subcommittee report, reflecting the critical need to address the fleet's operational capabilities.
This development raises questions about fiscal priorities, transparency, and the management of national resources, especially in light of the substantial expenditure on both maintenance and the proposed new acquisitions. The public and policymakers alike will likely scrutinize these decisions, weighing the benefits of a modernized fleet against the financial implications for the country.
“The committee is of the strong and informed opinion that considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognising the dire consequences of any foreseen or unforeseen mishap that may arise as a result of technical/operational inadequacy of the Presidential Air Fleet, it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircraft as recommended. This will also prove to be most cost-efficient in the long run, aside from the added advantage of providing a suitable, comfortable and safe carrier befitting of the status and responsibilities of the offices of the President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the report read in part.
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