In a significant development, the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence in Nigeria has proposed the procurement of new presidential jets for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. This recommendation is a consequence of a detailed examination conducted on the existing aircraft within the presidential fleet.
This proposition is grounded on concerns regarding the potential risks associated with technical or operational deficiencies of the current fleet. The committee underscored the critical nature of ensuring the utmost safety and efficiency in presidential travel, given the political and structural sensitivities of the Nigerian federation.
“The committee firmly believes that acquiring two additional presidential jets would be in the nation’s best interest, providing a secure, suitable, and dignified means of travel for the President and Vice President. Furthermore, this action is deemed to be cost-effective over time and fitting to the stature of their offices,” the issued report stated.
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The motion for this upgrade was initially brought to the floor in May by Satomi Ahmed, Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, after reports emerged of the presidential fleet encountering maintenance issues. This situation led to President Tinubu resorting to a chartered flight for a recent international engagement.
Following these events, the House directed the committee to undertake an exhaustive investigation into the current state and airworthiness of the presidential fleet, culminating in the current recommendation for the procurement of new jets.
