President Bola Tinubu has embarked on a trip to France a day after the arrival of a newly acquired luxury Airbus A330 aircraft in Nigeria. The president travelled on Monday.
The aircraft, which landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday evening, has sparked controversy due to its acquisition amid ongoing economic challenges in the country.
According to a statement from Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, the President will depart from Abuja on Monday and return shortly after his official engagements in France. However, the statement did not disclose the specific details of the President’s agenda in France.
The newly acquired Airbus A330, designated for presidential use, touched down in Abuja at 8:29 pm on Sunday after departing from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg in France at 4:16 pm the same day, according to Saharareporters.
This marks the aircraft’s official delivery to Nigeria, following its release by French authorities, who had previously detained it due to a legal dispute involving a Chinese firm and the Ogun State Government.
The aircraft, an ACJ330-200 with the tail registration 5N-FGA, had been at the centre of a legal tussle. A French court had ordered the seizure of the jet along with two other presidential aircraft earlier this year. The dispute stemmed from a conflict between the Ogun State Government and Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese firm. The seizure was reportedly enforced as part of the legal proceedings, which highlighted the complex nature of international agreements and state liabilities.
Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited announced the release of the aircraft on Friday, characterizing it as a gesture of goodwill ahead of the upcoming meeting between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron. The company emphasized the importance of the aircraft for diplomatic engagements and took steps to ensure its availability for the President’s trip to France.
The release of the aircraft, however, has not gone unnoticed by the public and media, given the circumstances surrounding its acquisition. The jet was reportedly acquired after a German bank took possession of it following a default on a multi-million-dollar loan by an Arab prince and businessman.
The Airbus A330 aircraft is designed for luxury and comfort, befitting its role as a presidential jet. It features a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom at the front, followed by an office and a conference and dining room. Additionally, the aircraft includes first-class and economy seating at the rear, indicating its capability to accommodate various passengers, including officials and dignitaries.
The acquisition of the new presidential jet has been met with widespread criticism, particularly in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic difficulties.
Nigeria is currently facing significant economic challenges, including a high inflation rate that has eroded the purchasing power of many Nigerians. The country is also dealing with the effects of global economic pressures, such as fluctuating oil prices and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have further strained its economy.
