The House Committee urges the Nigerian government to acquire new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, citing safety concerns and the state of the current Presidential Air Fleet. The move follows revelations of unserviceable planes amid escalating maintenance costs. Recommendations await presidential action.
The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has called for the immediate procurement of new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, citing concerns over the current state and reliability of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF).
According to their report, which was exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the committee emphasized the critical need for updated aircraft to ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation's top leadership during domestic and international engagements.
The report highlighted that several aircraft in the fleet, including the president's Boeing 737 and the vice president's Gulfstream G550, are either unserviceable or undergoing extensive maintenance, leading to increased operational costs.
The committee's recommendations underscored the cost-effectiveness of purchasing new aircraft over maintaining aged ones, emphasizing the importance of providing secure and reliable air transport befitting the status of Nigeria's highest offices.
The advisory has been forwarded to the presidency for consideration, following a motion and subsequent investigative hearing aimed at addressing the fleet's operational challenges and enhancing the security and operational readiness of the presidential air transport system.
