Nigeria’s recently purchased presidential jet has landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The opulent Airbus A330, worth an impressive N150 billion, arrived at the airport at 8:29 pm on Sunday, August 19.
The presidential jet’s arrival precedes President Tinubu’s planned journey to France on Monday, August 19 (today). The President is set to leave from Abuja, conduct some work in France, and then return to Nigeria after the short trip.
The new presidential jet purchase has caused a stir due to its expensive price tag, given the country’s economic struggles and high inflation. Despite this, the government says the plane is essential for diplomatic work and national security.
The Airbus A330 plane is one of three jets that a French court recently took over in a battle involving a Chinese company and the Ogun State Government.
However, the Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, decided to give back the plane as a friendly gesture because of the upcoming meeting between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron.
In July, the plane was seen in France almost ready to go. It had a tail number showing the seal of the President of Nigeria and was set for handover.
This Airbus A330 was once owned by a German bank after they took it from an Arab prince and businessman who could not repay a huge loan. The Nigerian government then bought the plane.
Inside, the aircraft has a bedroom with its own bathroom, an office, a meeting and dining area, and seating similar to what you find in first-class and economy on commercial flights.
