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Cost of governance: Tinubu orders sale of three presidential jets
Three jets in the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) are to be sold off, it was learnt at the weekend.
This is part of the cost-saving measures being adopted by the Tinubu Administration, an official revealed.
There are 10 aircraft in the fleet – six jets and four helicopters – which will be cut to seven if the planned action sails through.
During the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the plan to sell two planes in the fleet did not materialise.
In October 2016, a Dassault Falcon 7x executive jet and a Beechcraft Hawker 4000 business jet were put up for sale.
The preferred bidders who initially agreed to pay $ 24 million for the two aircraft, later reduced their offer to $ 11 million. This was rejected by the then government.
Thereafter, an arrangement to put some of the aircraft on chatter for willing governors was initiated to make the planes income-generating, thereby reducing the government expenses on maintenance.
The planes in the Presidential Fleet are Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) 737, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7X, HS 4000, two Agusta 139, and two Agusta 101.
The BBJ 737 is the Nigerian Air Force One, which is used exclusively by the President.
It is designed to serve as an office and a residential quarter on air to enable the president to function effectively during his trip.
The President also uses one of the helicopters for shuttles during his trips around the country.
Other jets in the fleet are used by top government officials, including the Vice President, governors, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the National Assembly members on special shuttles, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers on special missions, the Chief of Staff, advisers and even ambassadors of plenipotentiary status.
It could not be ascertained at the weekend if the President BBJ 737 will be sold and replaced.
The BBJ was bought for about $43 million during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
A Falcon and Embraer jets have been slated to be sold.
Not less than N80 billion has been budgeted for the PAF as maintenance cost, as follows: 2016 (N3.65 billion), 2017 (N4.37 billion), 2018 (N7.26 billion), 2019 (N7.30 billion), 2020 (N6.79 billion), 2021 (N12.55 billion), 2022 (N12.48 billion) and in 2023 about N25.7billion, made up of N13billion in the budget and N12.7billion in the 2023 Supplementary Budget.
The amount released from the budgetary line year on year could not be confirmed.
But President Tinubu is said to be uncomfortable with the rising cost of maintenance, hence his directive to reduce the fleet.
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “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.
“I think officers in PAF were particularly concerned about the frequency of maintenance and how much it costs the nation.
“The President decided to let off the aircraft that constitute the most burdensome.”
An investigation confirmed that the presidency might have incurred over $5 million as maintenance fees in the past few months.
It was unclear the actual figure of outstanding commitments on the fleet which have not been settled.
Giving reasons for the use of some of the planes by top government officials, a source said: “It takes much time to connect some African countries by air. In such a situation, the Presidential Air Fleet is handy.
“The use of the fleet is domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for effective management.”
Last week, President Tinubu in another cost-saving measure imposed a three-month travel ban on public-funded foreign trips by Federal Government officials.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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