Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential jet valued at a whopping N150 billion has arrived in the country.
The luxury Airbus A330 aircraft reportedly touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at about 8:29 pm on Sunday, August 19 in time for President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled trip to France today, Monday, August 19.
Many had criticised the purchase of the expensive new presidential at a time the country is undergoing economic hardship and hyper inflation.
However, the Federal Government insisted on the new jet, citing diplomatic and national security reasons.
The aircraft was among Nigeria’s three presidential jets, which was seized in France on court order, following a lawsuit by a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, over a dispute with the Ogun State Government.
However, the Chinese company released the aircraft as a goodwill gesture to enable President Tinubu to attend a scheduled meeting with French president, Emmanuel Macron.
The Airbus A330 aircraft, which was previously owned by a German bank, and repossessed from an Arab prince and businessman who defaulted on a multi-million-dollar loan, boasts of a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, an office, a conference and dining room, and airline-style first-class and economy seating.
