President orders sale of 9 presidential aircraft to cut cost

monjola sotubo

June 19, 2015 9:39 AM

The Federal Government is said to have been spending over N12 billion annually for the maintenance of the presidential fleet.

President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly directed that nine planes in the presidential fleet be sold off to cut costs.

The Federal Government is said to have been spending over N12 billion annually for the maintenance of the presidential fleet, according to ThisDay.

Details of the impending sale were disclosed by a source who is aware of Buhari’s directive and is also knowledgeable in aviation matters.

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

Nigeria’s presidential fleet is believed to be one of the largest in Africa and is said to be the third largest in Nigeria after commercial carriers, Arik Air and Aero Contractors.

The fleet reportedly boasts of about 16 aircraft, including the Boeing 738 BBJ, NAF 001 or Eagle One, used by the president for his travels.

It is also said to include two Gulfstream 550 jets, two Dassault Falcon 7X jets, one Hawker Siddeley 125-800 and one Cessna 550 Citation II, one Beechcraft King Air B200, and three Augusta Westland AW139 helicopters among others.

monjola sotubo