“President Tinubu Departs for Paris on New Airbus A330, Replacing Aging Boeing”
President Bola Tinubu has left Abuja for Paris, France, aboard a new Airbus A330, which replaces the old Boeing B737-700 acquired during ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. The new aircraft, purchased at a favorable price, is expected to reduce maintenance and fuel costs significantly.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared the update on X (formerly Twitter). The decision to replace the Boeing B737-700 came after an investigative hearing raised concerns about the aircraft’s safety and cost efficiency, particularly following a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia. The Nigerian Senate’s Security and Intelligence Committee had recommended replacing the outdated plane to minimize operational downtime and expenses.
The presidency announced that President Tinubu’s trip to France is set for Monday, August 19. The statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, was brief, providing no specific details about the purpose of the visit, but confirming his return to Nigeria after the trip.