By Segun Otokiti, Abuja
WorldStage Newsonline– As controversy continues to fester over federal government’s acquisition of a new presidential jet at this time of economic hardship in the country, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga has disclosed that the acquisition was done on recommendation of Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee.
It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Monday for Paris, using the new Airbus A330, which replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The new plane, according to Onanuga, was bought far below the market price and saved Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.
He said the recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament that questioned the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
“The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses,” Onanuga stated.
