The House of Representatives Committee on National Committee on Security and Intelligence has recommended the purchase of new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima.
The committee made known its recommendation in a report that was released after investigation into the state of the aircraft in the presidential fleet.
“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,” the report reads.
“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.”
Last month, the lower chamber of the national assembly had mandated the committee to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the aircraft in the presidential fleet, to ascertain their airworthiness.
The resolution was reached after a motion sponsored by Satomi Ahmed, chairman of the house committee.
There was a commotion on the floor of house when the motion was moved.
Some lawmakers suggested that the president should travel on 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 had also cancelled his trip to the United States due to a fault with his aircraft.
The vice-president was meant to represent Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa business summit.
It is said that the presidential fleet consists of six aircraft and six helicopters.
