The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has ignited public fury with its recommendation for the Federal Government to purchase two new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. This recommendation emerged from the committee’s investigation into the current state of the presidential air fleet.
The committee’s report, which has since become public, argues that the procurement of new aircraft is essential for national security and efficiency. “Considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognizing the dire consequences of any mishap due to technical or operational inadequacies of the presidential air fleet, it is in the country’s best interest to procure two additional aircraft,” the report stated. It also highlighted the long-term cost efficiency and the necessity of providing suitable, comfortable, and safe transportation for the country’s top officials.
The investigation was initiated in May following a motion by the House Committee Chairman on National Security and Intelligence, Satomi Ahmed. Ahmed’s motion was prompted by reports of faulty aircraft in the presidential fleet, which recently forced the President to charter a plane from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia.
The proposal sparked heated debate among lawmakers, with some suggesting the President should travel via commercial aircraft or by road. However, the committee was tasked with assessing and reporting on the condition of the existing aircraft.
Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence Chairman Shehu Buba Umar supported the recommendation, aligning with the lower chamber’s committee.
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. Many Nigerians expressed outrage, arguing that the government should not spend on luxury items during a period of severe economic hardship. Critics pointed out the inconsistency in government spending priorities, especially given the ongoing debate over a new national minimum wage, where the government has cited economic constraints as a reason for offering significantly lower wages than demanded by labor unions.
Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), condemned the recommendation, emphasizing the need for government leaders to set an example by curbing luxurious expenditures. “The government must live by example by cutting luxury items. Citizens have been making sacrifices since the advent of the Tinubu administration on May 29, 2023,” Ologunagba stated.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also criticized the move. Spokesman Benson Upah accused the government of prioritizing luxury over the needs of ordinary Nigerians. “When it comes to the comfort of the ruling political elite, there is no limit to what the state can do. But for the basic necessities of ordinary Nigerians, they begin to use a calculator,” Upah said.
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi voiced his disapproval on social media, calling the plan “unacceptable” and a clear demonstration of insensitivity to the struggles of Nigerians. He urged the government to focus on alleviating the suffering of the people rather than spending on luxury.
Other political leaders and organizations echoed these sentiments, urging the President to reconsider the plan and prioritize the country’s pressing economic issues. The Middle Belt Forum’s President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum’s President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, both stressed the need for fiscal responsibility and sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.
As the debate continues, the recommendation has highlighted the broader issue of government spending and accountability, raising questions about the priorities and responsiveness of Nigeria’s leadership amidst widespread economic challenges.
