Abuja, Nigeria – August 21, 2024: Public outrage has erupted across Nigeria following the recent purchase of a new plane for President Bola Tinubu, as the country grapples with its worst economic crisis in a generation. The acquisition, which comes less than two weeks after widespread protests against rising hunger and the soaring cost of living, has sparked heated debate over the government’s priorities.
Economic Reforms and Public Backlash
Elected last year to lead Africa’s most populous nation, President Tinubu has implemented several controversial economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which have fueled inflation to over 30%. While the president argues that these reforms are necessary to reduce government spending and stimulate long-term growth, the timing of the new plane purchase has drawn sharp criticism from both citizens and political observers.
On Monday, President Tinubu departed for France on the newly acquired Airbus A330, which now joins the presidential fleet, already comprising more than five aircraft. The cost of the plane remains undisclosed, raising further concerns, especially as the nation reels from economic hardship.
Public Reaction: Anger and Defense
Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions to the purchase. X user @Fdmlearn captured the sentiments of many when he posted, “Wait so despite the Tinubu-led Government telling Nigerians to bear the economic hardship and wait for a better tomorrow, they were busy paying cash for a new private Jet to add to the presidential fleet that has over 6 aircraft already?”
Another user, @RealOlaudah, expressed even stronger disapproval: “Let's tell ourselves the truth. Tinubu's new Airbus presidential aircraft purchase for N150 billion at a time of penury, hunger, and want shows how wicked, selfish, self-indulgent, and insensitive to the plight of the average Nigerian he really is.”
However, not everyone was critical. Supporters of the president, such as @Timi_The_Law, defended the decision, stating, “Tinubu's decision to buy a new plane is the right one. The plane belongs to the office of the president, and future presidents will enjoy it.”
Government’s Defense: Cost-Saving Measure?
In response to the backlash, President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, issued a statement on X, claiming that the new plane would actually save money for the government. “The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly,” the statement read.
The new aircraft, a 15-year-old Airbus A330 with an estimated market value of $600 million (£460 million), replaces the country’s aging 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700. The plane was recently released to the Nigerian government after being seized by a Chinese firm following a legal dispute.
Questions Remain: Budget Transparency and Public Trust
The purchase has raised several questions about transparency and public trust, especially as it remains unclear whether lawmakers approved the acquisition or if it was included in the supplementary budget passed last month. The Senate President and the Office of the National Security Adviser have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the purchase.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its economic challenges, the controversy surrounding the new presidential jet underscores the growing tension between the government’s actions and the public’s expectations during a time of crisis.
