Inside Tinubu’s N26.38bn Jet Expenses: 18 Months of Presidential Flights
Key Figures & Timeline
- Between July 2023 and December 2024 (18 months), the Tinubu administration spent approximately ₦26.38 billion on the Presidential Air Fleet.
- Data from GovSpend indicates that ₦20.03 billion of this total went toward operations and maintenance during that timeframe.
- Of the ₦20.03 billion, around ₦14.15 billion (71%) was allocated to costs associated with the new Airbus A330 presidential jet, which entered service in mid‑2024.
đź“‹ Breakdown of Expenditure
| Period & Use | Amount (₦ billions) | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023–Dec 2024 (Total Spend) | 20.03 | ~76% |
| Maintenance & ops of A330 only | 14.15 | ~71% of above |
| Remaining Presidential Fleet | ~6.38 | Balance |
The funds were largely categorized under Forex Transit Funds—payments made in foreign currency to support travel, maintenance, parts procurement, and operations abroad.
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🧠Broader Context
- The new Airbus A330, acquired in 2024 and estimated at $100 million (approx. ₦150 billion) plus retrofitting costs, replaced the ageing Boeing BBJ 737 that had become costly and unsafe to maintain.
- Presidential aides argued that while the initial cost was high, the A330 will save millions of dollars annually through reduced maintenance and fuel expense.
🧠Public & Expert Reactions
- Critics including civil society advocates characterized the spending as excessive and misaligned with Nigeria’s fiscal realities, pointing out the contrast between recurring executive travel costs and the government’s austerity appeals to citizens.
- Voices like Victor Agi emphasized that the government’s recurrent expenditure on the fleet, especially executive travel, dwarfs investment in capital infrastructure and development priorities.
- Observers also noted legislative inertia: proposals to investigate the fleet expenditure were reportedly rejected by the House, underscoring weak oversight of executive spending.
âś… Final Takeaway
President Tinubu’s administration spent ₦26.38 billion over 18 months to operate and maintain the presidential jet and related fleet. The majority of this sum went toward the newly acquired Airbus A330. While officials defended the move on safety and long-term savings grounds, critics have flagged it as symbolic of poor fiscal priorities amid national austerity.
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