Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu’s controversial N150 billion presidential jet has returned to Nigeria after undergoing an expensive refurbishment and repaint in South Africa, sparking public outrage over government spending amid widespread economic hardship.

The Airbus A330-200, bearing tail number 5N-FGA, had been grounded since February 2025 and was quietly ferried abroad for what officials described as “painting and minor interior fixes.” It was spotted on Wednesday at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, newly adorned in Nigeria’s national colours—white fuselage with green stripes and the Nigerian Air Force crest.

Presidency sources confirmed to journalists that the jet is back and would resume official operations after routine checks by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Videos shared by the State House on Friday showed President Tinubu boarding the jet for a visit to Kano State.

A Jet Amid National Hardship

Purchased in August 2024 to replace the aging Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) previously used by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Airbus is equipped with luxury features including a master bedroom, shower, conference room, and secure communications suite.

Government officials defend the acquisition as a cost-saving measure, claiming it will cut down on fuel and maintenance costs incurred by the older BBJ. However, critics argue that the $100 million (N150 billion) price tag—reportedly funded through service-wide votes—is excessive for a nation grappling with soaring debt, inflation, hunger, and insecurity.

Though the Presidency has not disclosed the repaint cost, industry experts estimate that repainting a wide-body aircraft like the A330 typically costs between $190,000 and $320,000, depending on the design and complexity. The relatively simple green-and-white scheme likely placed the cost at the lower end of that range.

The aircraft was originally delivered in interim commercial livery and required a new official VIP paint scheme before it could officially operate under the “Eagle One” presidential call sign.

A Bloated Presidential Fleet

The refurbished jet adds to what is already one of Africa’s largest Presidential Air Fleets, comprising at least 11 aircraft, including:

  • Two Agusta 101 helicopters

  • Several Dassault Falcon 7Xs

  • A Gulfstream G550

  • The now-decommissioned Boeing 737 BBJ, listed for sale via JetHQ, a US-based aviation broker.

Reports indicate that three of the seven fixed-wing jets in the fleet are currently unserviceable.

Despite campaign promises by Tinubu to cut the cost of governance, his administration continues to maintain this expensive aviation entourage, leading to criticisms of hypocrisy and misplaced priorities.

Public Backlash

Opposition parties, civil society organisations, and many Nigerians have condemned the expenditure. A political analyst who wished to remain anonymous said:

“At a time when Nigerians are struggling to feed, civil servants are owed months of salaries, and insecurity persists, the government is busy splashing billions on vanity projects like aircraft.”

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, defended the purchase and refurbishment, stating that the jet is a “long-term cost-saving investment.”

The return of the jet coincides with President Tinubu’s condolence visit to Ogun State to mourn the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away at 91 years old after a 65-year reign.

As Nigerians grapple with rising inflation and harsh living conditions, the refurbished jet’s return has reignited debates on government waste and the sincerity of Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.