A newly acquired Airbus A330 aircraft meant for the Nigerian Presidential Air Fleet has been flown to South Africa for refitting and repainting, following a wave of refurbishments and increased spending on air travel logistics for the Presidency. The development comes amid widespread public scrutiny over the government’s ballooning expenditure on the Presidential Air Fleet, which cost Nigerian taxpayers at least N20.03 billion between July 2023 and December 2024.
The Presidential Air Fleet, purchased in August 2024 for a reported $100 million, was flown out recently for a new livery and additional upgrades, sources within the fleet confirmed. The plane, an ACJ330-200 with tail number VP-CAC, is nearly 15 years old but comes fitted with modern avionics, a bespoke interior, and state-of-the-art communications systems.
According to top-level aviation sources, the aircraft lacked the traditional Nigerian green-white-green livery and other insignia that identify it as the official aircraft of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “It’s not just cosmetic changes,” one official disclosed. “There are also structural and interior adjustments being made to suit the requirements of the office.”
Another insider hinted that the refurbishment includes enhanced security systems and a reconfiguration of cabin zones to accommodate diplomatic and medical needs. These upgrades, alongside the fresh coat of paint, are part of efforts to optimise the plane for presidential duties.
A report by GovSpend, a civic tech platform tracking federal expenditure, reveals that Nigeria disbursed N14.15 billion on the fleet in 2024 alone—71% of the total N20.52 billion allocated that year. Much of the funding was tagged “Forex Transit Funds,” covering international fuel purchases, aircraft maintenance, and other overseas expenditures.
From July 2023 to December 2024, multiple payments were made in tranches. For instance, August 2024 saw six separate releases amounting to N5.60 billion, while April 2024 alone recorded a massive N6.35 billion disbursement.
These costs have come under criticism, especially as several aircraft in the 11-strong fleet are reportedly non-functional. As of early 2025, the fleet included two Agusta helicopters, a Boeing 737 BBJ, Gulfstream G550 and G500 jets, Falcon 7Xs, and a Challenger 605. At least three of these fixed-wing planes are grounded due to age and technical issues.
Presidency spokesperson Bayo Onanuga defended the jet’s acquisition and ongoing modifications, stating, “It’s not Tinubu’s plane; it belongs to the Nigerian people. The Airbus 330 is a refurbished model, much newer than the 20-year-old Boeing 737 that broke down during President Buhari’s time.”
Onanuga further revealed that President Tinubu had to charter a private plane to travel from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia in April 2024 after technical issues grounded the Gulfstream used to reach Europe.
Transparency advocates and opposition voices are, however, questioning the administration’s commitment to frugality. Debo Adeniran of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership described the spending as “a reenactment of the Shagari era,” adding that “the government is clearly living large while the masses struggle with poverty.”
Aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo attributed the rising costs to a combination of aging aircraft, a weakening naira, and an increase in insurance costs due to growing insecurity. “Older planes are more expensive to maintain. Most spare parts and crew training expenses are in U.S. dollars, and with the naira’s freefall, those costs have spiked dramatically,” he explained.
The fleet’s budget has expanded steadily since 2017, from N4.37 billion to N20.52 billion in 2024—a staggering 370% rise. With the Airbus A330 now undergoing refurbishment in South Africa, insiders suggest the government may retire more of the aging fleet to reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Despite the assurances from the Presidency, Nigerians remain divided. Many see the lavish spending as insensitive at a time of economic hardship. Others argue that the safety and dignity of the office of the President justify the investment.
As the refurbished jet prepares to rejoin the fleet in the coming months, attention will shift to how the administration balances its need for secure and reliable transport with calls for austerity and fiscal discipline.