The National Assembly has okayed the purchase of two new presidential aircrafts for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
This recommendation was put forward by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
The lawmakers gave their reasons for the recommendation.
According to them, there is a need to acquire the new presidential aircrafts for security reasons.
The lawmakers explained that it will cut the cost of maintenance associated with the current Presidential Air Fleet (PAF).
The Hearing
The Committee issued the recommendation based on the report presented by its members after a hearing conducted by its technical subcommittee regarding the condition and safety of aircraft in the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF).
The legislators suggest that the expenses associated with upkeeping President Tinubu’s 19-year-old plane are substantial.
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This results in extended aircraft grounding periods and increased operational costs for the fleet.
The report reads in part: “The Committee is of the strong and informed opinion that considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognising the dire consequences of any foreseen or unforeseen mishap that may arise as a result of technical/operational inadequacy of the Presidential Air Fleet, it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircraft as recommended.”
