Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential jet has reportedly landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The luxury Airbus A330 aircraft, valued at a staggering N150 billion, touched down at the airport at 8:29 pm on Sunday, August 19.
The arrival of the presidential jet comes ahead of President Tinubu’s scheduled trip to France on Monday, August 19 (today). The President is expected to depart from Abuja and return to the country after a brief work stay in France.
The acquisition of the new presidential jet has been shrouded in controversy, with many questioning the hefty price tag amidst economic challenges and record inflation. However, the government has maintained that the aircraft is a necessary tool for diplomatic engagements and national security.
The Airbus A330 aircraft is one of the three presidential jets recently confiscated by a French court in favour of a Chinese firm over a dispute with the Ogun State Government. However, the Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, released the aircraft as a goodwill gesture, citing the upcoming meeting between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The plane was spotted in July in France at an advanced stage of preparation. It had been assigned a tail registration featuring the seal of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and was ready for delivery.
The Airbus A330 aircraft was previously owned by a German bank, which had repossessed it from an Arab prince and businessman who defaulted on a multi-million-dollar loan. The Nigerian government subsequently acquired the aircraft.
The aircraft features a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, an office, a conference and dining room, and airline-style first-class and economy seating.