President Bola Tinubu is set to embark on a trip to France on Monday, August 19, departing from Abuja, the nation’s capital, aboard a newly acquired luxury Airbus A330. The aircraft landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 8:29 pm on Sunday, marking its arrival from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg in France.
This trip follows the release of the aircraft, one of three presidential jets recently confiscated by a French court in favor of a Chinese firm due to a dispute involving the Ogun State Government. According to a report released on Friday, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited announced the release of one of the seized jets, citing an upcoming meeting between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron as a key reason.
The Chinese company characterized the release as a goodwill gesture, recognizing the aircraft’s significance for diplomatic engagement. This move was intended to facilitate the meeting between the two leaders.
In July, reports from SaharaReporters indicated that the aircraft was undergoing final preparations in France. The plane, designated as an ACJ330-200 with tail registration 5N-FGA, bears the seal of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and is equipped with a bedroom, office, conference and dining room, as well as first-class and economy seating at the rear.
The acquisition of the Airbus A330, reportedly costing over ₦150 billion, has sparked controversy, particularly as the nation grapples with economic challenges and record inflation. The aircraft, initially owned by an Arab prince and businessman who defaulted on a multi-million-dollar loan, was reportedly repossessed by a German bank before being acquired by Nigeria.
The Airbus A330 is known for its new-generation engines, aerodynamic design, and enhanced comfort, making it a top choice for VIP and private markets.
Meanwhile, Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, has raised suspicions about the release of the aircraft. In a post on his X account, Sowore suggested that the seizure and subsequent release of the presidential jets might have been staged to garner sympathy and justify the acquisition of the new jet. He questioned why the Chinese company was selectively choosing which jet President Tinubu would use for his trip to France, hinting at a possible orchestration behind the scenes.
