The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recently sparked controversy by recommending that the Federal Government purchase two new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Nigerians reacted with anger when the committee’s recommendation became public knowledge.
The recommendation was detailed in a report from the committee’s investigation into the status of the presidential air fleet.
“The committee strongly believes that, given the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and the potential consequences of any mishap due to technical or operational issues with the presidential air fleet, it is in the country’s best interest to procure two additional aircraft. This would also be cost-efficient in the long run and provide suitable, comfortable, and safe transportation befitting the president and vice-president,” the report stated.
In May, the committee was tasked by the lower chamber of the national assembly to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the airworthiness and technical status of the aircraft in the presidential fleet.
This assignment followed a motion by House Committee Chairman on National Security and Intelligence, Satomi Ahmed, prompted by reports of faulty aircraft in the presidential fleet. This issue had forced the President to use a chartered plane from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia on a recent trip.
During a heated debate in the House, some lawmakers suggested that the President should travel via commercial aircraft or by road. Ultimately, the Committee was assigned to investigate and report on the condition of the presidential aircraft.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Shehu Buba Umar, supported the recommendation by the lower chamber’s committee.
Since the news broke, many Nigerians have criticized the move, arguing that the President cannot continue to spend on luxury while asking citizens to be patient with the government. Critics argue that even if new aircraft are needed, now is not the time when many Nigerians struggle to afford basic necessities.
The Organised Labour and the Federal Government have been in a standoff over a new national minimum wage. Labour is pushing for N250,000, while the government claims it can only afford N62,000 due to economic constraints. Critics question the rationale behind acquiring new aircraft when the government claims it cannot afford a modest wage increase.
Reacting to the development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its national Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that there is no moral justification for asking Nigerians to make further sacrifices when their leaders continue to indulge in luxury.
He emphasized that the government must set an example by cutting luxury expenses. He argued that asking Nigerians to make more sacrifices is tantamount to asking them to commit suicide.
“If the government is reckless in spending, it has no moral justification to ask citizens to sacrifice. The appropriate message to the government should be, ‘let the poor breathe.’ Many families couldn’t celebrate Eid due to financial constraints. The government’s plans show a disconnection from the harsh realities on the ground. People are dying daily from hunger and lack of medicine, and the government seems indifferent. The President should lead by example and cut luxury expenses,” Ologunagba said.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), through its spokesman, Mr. Benson Upah, accused the Federal Government and ruling elite of prioritizing luxury over the needs of the people. He pointed out that while the state spares no expense for the ruling elite’s comfort, it is stingy with the basic necessities for ordinary Nigerians.
“There is always enough for the ruling elite’s luxuries but never enough for the people’s necessities. Purchasing a presidential jet is not a priority given the current economic challenges,” he said.
He also cited examples of leaders in other countries who fly commercial planes to save money for their countries.
Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, reacted on his official X handle, calling the plan to acquire new presidential aircraft unacceptable and insensitive to the people’s suffering. He urged the government to focus on alleviating Nigerians’ hardships instead of spending on luxuries.
