Buhari Orders Selling Of 9 Presidential Jets

President Buhari arrives in Johannesburg

Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly ordered that nine government aircraft from the presidential fleet should be sold.

The move is aimed at reducing the cost of government, as previously promised by the All Progressives Congress politician, This Day reports.

According to the raw calculations, the presidential fleet, which is registered as Nigerian Air Force aircraft, is one of the largest in Africa and the third largest in Nigeria after Arik Air and Aerocontractors. The annual cost of maintenance of the fleet totals N12billion.

Buhari boards the presidential jet

An aviation source disclosed:

“Nine, which still have market value, are to be sold immediately to reduce maintenance costs.”

The presidential aircraft is the Boeing 738 BBJ, NAF 001 or Eagle One. It contains a master bedroom, washrooms and showers, a conference and dining area, and a living area. The plane would cost at least $100 million to replace today. Eight planes are said to be reserved for the president.

Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, on arrival from South Africa

A Falcon 900, which is also in the fleet based on the publicly available information, costs $35 million; a Gulfstream IVSP – $40 million; a Gulfstream V – $45 million; a Cessna Citation – $7 million; and a Hawker Siddeley – $15 million.