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The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party have vehemently condemned the ₦55.5 billion set aside for the upkeep of the presidential fleet in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, which is currently pending approval from the National Assembly.
This controversial allocation covers costs for the refurbishment of three aircraft engines, fuel, fumigation, air navigation, cleaning, and general maintenance.
If sanctioned, this amount would exceed the total expenditure on the fleet from July 2023 to September 2024, which was ₦19.43 billion.
the parties contend that this budgetary focus is misguided, especially in light of Nigeria's economic difficulties.
The South-West Chairman of the PDP, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, in an interview questioned whether the presidency intends to acquire more aircraft. Likewise, Abayomi Arabambi, the factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, labeled the allocation as “inhuman and satanic,” denouncing the government for prioritizing extravagant expenses while countless Nigerians struggle to survive.
A detailed look at the 2025 budget reveals that ₦8.6 billion is allocated for repairs of air navigational equipment, ₦5.5 billion for overhauling an aircraft engine with the registration number 5N-FGW, and ₦3.1 billion for the refurbishment of two additional engines.
Other costs include ₦1.5 billion for aircraft fuel, ₦1.25 billion for general maintenance, ₦149 million for security operations, and ₦7.5 million for cleaning and fumigation.
Furthermore, ₦311.1 million has been set aside for aircraft insurance premiums, which will likely be managed by foreign insurance firms due to the limited capacity of local insurers. Local companies often act as intermediaries in these dealings with insurers based in the United States and the United Kingdom.
In comparison, the total budget for the aviation ministry in 2025 is ₦105.95 billion, with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development receiving ₦71.12 billion. Sub-agencies such as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (₦9.82 billion), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (₦7.98 billion), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (₦10.03 billion), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (₦7 billion) have also been allocated funds.
Arabambi remarked, “The presidential air fleet already possesses several aircraft, including a recently acquired Airbus A330, which cost over $100 million. The government’s spending behavior clearly reflects its lack of commitment to alleviating poverty and inequality.”
The executive chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership,Debo Adeniran, stated, “What we are witnessing from this administration is contrary to our expectations… an administration that has become enamored with extravagance.
It is time for the government to reassess its priorities and start prioritizing the needs of its citizens. The proposed spending on presidential jets is a national disgrace, and it is time for Nigerians to demand more from their leaders.
It is surprising that those who lament the government’s wasteful spending will likely support the same politicians in the upcoming election. This is a vicious cycle that must be broken.”
