Photo credit: Thisdaylive
Many Nigerians are upset after a new plane was bought for resident Bola Tinubu when the economy is experiencing its worst crisis in a generation.
BBC reports that the purchase comes less than two weeks after thousands took to the streets across the country to protest rising hunger and the cost of living. Tinubu has introduced several economic reforms since his election last year. Removing fuel subsidies has led to high inflation, which is currently above 30 per cent.
Tinubu said the reforms were necessary to cut government spending and stimulate long-term growth. In January, the Nigerian president announced a 60 per cent reduction in the size of official travel delegations. But the president flew to France on Monday in a newly acquired Airbus A330. The plane is the latest addition to the presidential fleet of more than five aircraft.
The cost of the plane has not been disclosed. It is unknown if lawmakers approved the purchase, which was not mentioned in this year’s budget.
The presidential jet was recently released to the Nigerian government after it was seized by a Chinese firm. The firm obtained a Paris court order to seize some Nigerian government assets following an investment dispute with Ogun state.
The 15-year-old plane is reported to have an elaborate configuration for VIPs and replaces the country’s 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700.
