President Tinubu Embarks on Paris Visit Aboard Nigeria’s New Presidential Jet

In a significant development for Nigeria’s aviation and diplomatic sectors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially departed Abuja for Paris, France, aboard the newly acquired Airbus A330. This marks a pivotal upgrade in the presidential fleet, replacing the ageing 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ), a relic from the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, broke the news on his official social media X channel, heralding the departure as a milestone in the country’s quest for modernization and cost efficiency. The acquisition of the Airbus A330 is particularly noteworthy, as it was secured at a price significantly below the market value, presenting Nigeria with substantial savings on maintenance and fuel costs—expenses that have historically run into millions of dollars annually.

The decision to replace the outdated B737-700 (BBJ) followed a rigorous investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament, which raised concerns about the plane’s safety record and financial viability. The final push for a new aircraft came after a high-profile incident where the Boeing malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia, prompting the Nigerian Senate’s Security and Intelligence Committee to recommend its immediate replacement. The move aims to reduce the downtime and operational expenses that have plagued the presidential fleet in recent years.

The newly acquired Airbus A330 is not just a cost-saving measure but also a significant upgrade in terms of capability and comfort. The aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior tailored to presidential needs, and an advanced communications system, ensuring that President Tinubu remains connected and operational throughout his travels.

As President Tinubu embarks on this crucial visit to France, the choice of aircraft underscores a broader commitment to efficiency, safety, and the modernization of Nigeria’s presidential assets, reflecting the administration’s forward-looking approach to governance.