Tinubu's new Presidential Jet, 5N-FGA, set to land in Abuja amid controversy

Oredola Adeola

The new Presidential jet, an A330-200 registered as 5N-FGA, is about to land in Abuja.

Editorials obtained this from data from RadarBox on Sunday evening.

Recall that the acquisition of this aircraft has been a subject of intense debate, given Nigeria's ongoing economic challenges.

Critics argue that the $100 million spent on the jet is an inappropriate use of funds at a time when the government struggles to address basic needs, such as paying the minimum wage.

However, supporters of the purchase, including members of the National Assembly, have defended the decision.

They contend that the current presidential fleet, which includes a 19-year-old Boeing aircraft, is outdated and poses safety risks.

They also argued that a reliable and modern presidential jet is crucial for national representation and security.

The House of Representatives had earlier endorsed the acquisition, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiency for the presidential air fleet.

Further checks showed that the A330 aircraft purchased from a German bank has been assigned a tail registration as 5N-FGA, and also bearing the seal of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sources from international aviation firms had earlier suggested that as of early afternoon Nigerian time on July 15, 2024, the plane has been flown from Germany to an airport in Saint Louis, France.

According to Premium Times, the aircraft was repossessed from an unidentified Sheikh who had defaulted on a bank loan. Florida-based L & L International LLC and AMAC Aerospace Switzerland AG are reportedly brokering the deal. The Swiss firm has a longstanding aircraft maintenance contract with Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet (PAF).”

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