In less than 4 years of the administration: ₦179 billion for presidential jets, maintenance, and new fleet, yet insecurity persists, government priorities in question

By Daniel Nduka Okonkwo

If the Presidency can commit an estimated ₦179 billion to the Presidential Air Fleet, including aircraft acquisition and maintenance, while allocating ₦1.504 trillion to the Nigerian Army in the 2026 budget, questions have emerged in public discourse about how national priorities are being balanced.

The issue has generated discussion around the relationship between executive air mobility funding and broader security needs. While significant resources are allocated to the Presidential Air Fleet, security agencies on the front lines continue to operate under challenging conditions related to logistics, equipment, and operational support.

At a time when many Nigerians are facing rising inflation, unemployment, and economic pressure, federal spending patterns have continued to attract public attention, contributing to ongoing debates on fiscal planning, governance priorities, and resource allocation.

Data from Govspend, a civic technology platform tracking public expenditure, indicates that approximately ₦26.38 billion was spent on the Presidential Air Fleet between July 2023 and December 2024. This covers operational, maintenance, and logistical costs during the first 18 months of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In July 2023, over ₦1.5 billion was recorded in two releases, followed by additional expenditures in subsequent months. By August, disbursements had increased, with continued spending through the final quarter of the year.

In 2024, total expenditure reached ₦14.15 billion, representing about 71 percent of the annual allocation. One of the notable disbursements was ₦5.08 billion released on April 23, 2024, during official foreign visits to the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.

Overall, expenditure on the Presidential Air Fleet has increased over time, rising from ₦4.37 billion in 2017 to about ₦20.52 billion in 2024, reflecting changes in operational and maintenance requirements.

A major development in the fleet is the acquisition of a pre-owned Airbus ACJ330-200, reportedly valued between $100 million and $110 million (approximately ₦150–₦160 billion depending on exchange rates). The aircraft, estimated to be about 15 years old and designated NAF-001, replaces an older Boeing 737-700 Business Jet (BBJ) previously in service.

According to government explanations, the acquisition is intended to improve efficiency, safety, and reduce long-term maintenance and fuel costs associated with older aircraft.

In addition to acquisition costs, maintenance and operational funding remain part of the overall expenditure profile. The 2025 Appropriation Bill includes over ₦55 billion for maintenance and overhaul of the fleet, contributing to the total cost profile for the period.

The 2026 Appropriation Bill also includes allocations for the Presidential Air Fleet, including ₦6 billion for engine overhauls, ₦1.5 billion for aviation fuel, ₦1.2 billion for general maintenance, as well as provisions for official travel for the President and Vice President.

Cumulatively, between 2023 and 2026, total commitments to the Presidential Air Fleet are estimated at between ₦169 billion and ₦179 billion, combining acquisition, maintenance, and operational costs.

In the broader national budget, the Federal Government has allocated ₦5.41 trillion to defence and security in 2026. However, budget implementation figures show variations in release levels across agencies. For example, the Nigerian Air Force received a portion of its allocation for aircraft maintenance, while other security-related procurement lines recorded lower release percentages in 2025.

These figures have contributed to ongoing public discussions about funding distribution across sectors, particularly in relation to security operations and national infrastructure needs.

A report by Beacon Security Intelligence Limited (BSIL) estimated that insecurity-related incidents continued to have a significant human and economic impact during the 2025 budget cycle.

Policy analysts and stakeholders have continued to express differing views on public spending priorities, with some emphasising the importance of balancing governance requirements, security needs, and economic conditions.

The Federal Government has maintained that a functional Presidential Air Fleet is necessary for official duties, diplomatic engagement, and operational efficiency, and that investments in newer aircraft are aimed at improving long-term value and reducing maintenance burdens.

Overall, the discussion reflects a broader national conversation about fiscal management, governance priorities, and the allocation of public resources during a period of economic and security challenges in Nigeria.

Daniel Nduka Okonkwo is a Nigerian investigative journalist, publisher of Profiles International Human Rights Advocate, and policy analyst whose work focuses on governance, institutional accountability, and political power. He is also a human rights activist, human rights advocate, and human rights journalist. His reporting and analysis have appeared in Sahara Reporters, African Defence Forum, Daily Intel Newspapers, Opinion Nigeria, African Angle, and other international media platforms. He writes from Nigeria and can be reached at dan.okonkwo.73@gmail.com.