At least N20.03bn was spent on the maintenance and operations of the Presidential Air Fleet from July 2023 to December 2024…
The Federal Government disbursed N20.03 billion for maintaining the Presidential Air Fleet between July 2023 and December 2024, with 71% of 2024’s budget (N14.15bn) spent on forex-dependent operations like fuel and overseas maintenance.
GovSpend data reveals Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet consumed N20.03 billion in 18 months, including N14.15 billion in 2024 alone—mostly labelled as “Forex Transit Funds” for international expenses like fuel and repairs 24. The newly acquired Airbus A330, purchased for $100 million in 2023, was flown to South Africa for livery changes and upgrades, while aging jets like the 19-year-old Boeing 737 drove up costs.
Notable disbursements included N5.6 billion in August 2024 (the highest single-month payout) and N5.08 billion in April during President Tinubu’s Netherlands-Saudi Arabia trip, where technical issues forced a charter flight 24. Critics question the spending amid economic hardship, but officials defend it as essential for “uninterrupted operations” and safety.