President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja for Paris, France, on Monday aboard the newly acquired Airbus A330, marking a significant upgrade from the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) that has been in use since the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized in a statement that the new aircraft was purchased at a price considerably below its market value. The Airbus A330 is expected to save Nigeria millions of dollars annually in maintenance and fuel costs, a substantial reduction in operational expenses.

This acquisition follows a recommendation made in June by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence. The committee had advised the federal government to replace the ageing Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) with a more efficient and reliable aircraft for both President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Onanuga further explained that the decision to replace the old presidential jet came after a parliamentary investigative hearing raised concerns about the safety record and cost efficiency of the ageing plane, which had experienced a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia.

“The new Airbus A330 Presidential Jet features state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior, and advanced communication systems, offering a spacious and comfortable travel experience for the President and his entourage,” Onanuga stated. “President Tinubu’s journey to Paris marks the first official use of the new jet, signaling a new era in presidential travel.”

The newly acquired aircraft represents a significant improvement in the presidential fleet, with enhanced safety, comfort, and efficiency that aligns with the government’s goals of reducing costs and ensuring reliable transportation for the nation’s leaders.