Nigeria’s presidency is reportedly mulling the sale of three presidential jets from the presidential fleet of six jets and four helicopters. This proposal comes amidst economic challenges facing the nation.
The specific details of the jets to be sold and the proposed sale process have not yet been made public. However, a government official confirmed the plans to the Nation Newspaper, owned by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, on Monday.
“The President is uncomfortable with the rising cost of maintaining the planes. Three planes have been pencilled down for disposal. The main reason is cutting down high maintenance costs,” the source said.
Previous attempts to sell off two aircraft during the past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 faced hurdles. The potential buyers initially offered US$24 million for a Dassault Falcon 7x executive jet and a Beechcraft Hawker 4000 business jet but later reduced the bid to US$11 million. The offer was outrightly rejected by the Nigerian government.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the latest proposed jet sale in the coming days. The proposal is likely to be debated in the legislature, the National Assembly, before any final decisions are made if the planned action is confirmed.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
