Our reporter/ As Nigerians battle with the harsh economic realities ushered in by this government’s policies, the house of representatives committee on national security and intelligence has asked the federal government to purchase new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
The committee’s recommendation is contained in a report released after its investigation on the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.
“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,” the report reads.
“This will also prove to be most cost-efficient in the long run apart from the added advantage of providing a suitable, comfortable and safe carrier befitting of the status and responsibilities of the office of the president and vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The house of representatives had in May mandated the committee to conduct a “comprehensive investigation” into the aircraft in the presidential fleet to ascertain their airworthiness and technical status.
The resolution followed heated debate on the motion sponsored by Satomi Ahmed, chairman of the house committee.
According to the report, the presidential fleet consists of six aircraft and six helicopters.
The aircraft include one Boeing 737 (19 years old, currently unserviceable and undergoing maintenance); one Gulfstream G550 (13 years old, in good condition), one Gulfstream GV (23 years old, unserviceable); two Falcon 7Xs (one serviceable, one unserviceable); and one Challenger CL605 (12 years old, serviceable).
The helicopter fleet includes two Agusta 139s (17 and 18 years old, both unserviceable); four Agusta 189s (no information on their condition).
The report will be presented to the whole house for final decision in the coming days.
With additional report from TheCable
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