Reps charge FG to secure new aircraft for Tinubu, Shettima

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has charged the Federal Government to secure new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. 

The committee’s recommendation is contained in a report released after its investigation into the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.

The house of representatives had earlier mandated the committee to conduct a “comprehensive investigation” into the aircraft in the presidential fleet to ascertain their airworthiness and technical status.

However, the report reads: “The committee is of the strong and informed opinion that, considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognising the dire consequences of any foreseen or unforeseen mishap that may arise as a result of the technical or operational inadequacy of the presidential air fleet, it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircraft as recommended”.

“This will also prove to be most cost-efficient in the long run, apart from the added advantage of providing a suitable, comfortable, and safe carrier befitting of the status and responsibilities of the office of the president and vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The house decision was due to a motion raised by Satomi Ahmed, chairman of the house committee during which a heated debate on the motion was moved.

Some lawmakers suggested that the president should either travel through commercial aircraft or by road.

Ahmed’s motion followed reports of faulty aircraft in the presidential air fleet, forcing the president to use a chartered plane from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia during his recent trip abroad.

Shettima, was to represent Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa business summit had to cancel his trip to the United States due to a fault with his aircraft.