Many Nigerians have expressed outrage following the purchase of a new plane for President Bola Tinubu amid the country’s worst economic crisis in a generation.
The acquisition comes less than two weeks after widespread protests against rising hunger and the soaring cost of living.
Since his election last year to lead Africa’s most populous nation, President Tinubu has implemented several economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which has driven inflation to over 30%.
The president has defended these measures as necessary to reduce government spending and promote long-term economic growth.
In January, he announced a 60% reduction in the size of official travel delegations, including his own.
Despite these austerity measures, President Tinubu departed for France on Monday aboard a newly acquired Airbus A330, which now adds to the presidential fleet of over five aircraft.
The cost of the plane has not been disclosed, nor has the purpose of his trip.
The purchase sparked criticism online, with X user @Fdmlearn arguing that it was unjust for Nigerians to endure economic hardship while the government spent money on a new presidential jet.
Another user, @RealOlaudah, condemned the purchase, calling it a sign of the president’s insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Nigerians, citing an alleged cost of N150 billion.
However, some, like @Timi_The_Law, supported the decision, noting that the plane belongs to the office of the president and will benefit future administrations.
President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, defended the purchase on X, stating that the plane was acquired well below market price and would save Nigeria significant maintenance and fuel costs, amounting to millions of dollars annually.
The new jet, recently released to the Nigerian government, had been seized by a Chinese firm due to an investment dispute with Ogun state in southwest Nigeria.
The 15-year-old Airbus replaces a 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700 in the presidential fleet, which officials have previously described as costly to maintain due to their age.
In June, lawmakers recommended the purchase of two new aircraft for the president and vice president, citing safety concerns with the current fleet.
Last month, the National Assembly approved a supplementary budget that increased the 2024 budget from 28.7 trillion naira ($18bn; £14bn) to 35.06 trillion naira, though it remains unclear if the new plane’s purchase was included.
The BBC has reached out to the Senate President and the Office of the National Security Adviser for comments but has yet to receive a response.
