The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party have strongly criticized the ₦55.5 billion allocated for the maintenance of the presidential fleet in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, currently awaiting approval by the National Assembly.
The contentious allocation includes expenses for the overhaul of three aircraft engines, fuelling, fumigation, air navigation, cleaning, and general maintenance.
If approved, it would surpass the total spent on the fleet between July 2023 and September 2024, which amounted to ₦19.43 billion.
Critics argue that the budgetary priority is misplaced, particularly given Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The South-West Chairman of the PDP, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, in an interview with Punch questioned whether the presidency was planning to procure additional aircraft.
Similarly, Labour Party factional National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, described the allocation as “inhuman and satanic,” criticizing the government for prioritizing luxury expenses while millions of Nigerians struggle to make ends meet.
A breakdown of the 2025 budget showed that ₦8.6 billion was earmarked for air navigational equipment repairs, ₦5.5 billion for an engine overhaul of an aircraft with the registration number 5N-FGW, and ₦3.1 billion for the overhaul of two additional engines.
Other expenses 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.
Additionally, ₦311.1 million was allocated for aircraft insurance premiums, a sum likely to be handled by foreign insurance companies due to the lack of capacity among local insurers.
Local companies, acting as intermediaries, often facilitate these transactions with insurers based in the United States and the United Kingdom.
For comparison, the entire aviation ministry’s budget for 2025 is ₦105.95 billion, with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development allocated ₦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) also received allocations.
Arabambi in his take said, “The presidential air fleet already has some aircraft, including a recently purchased Airbus A330, which cost over $100m.
“The government’s spending habit is a clear indication of its lack of commitment to reducing poverty and inequality.”
The executive chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, noted, “What we are getting from this administration is opposite to our expectations… an administration that has fallen in love with profligacy.
“It’s time the government rethink its priorities and start putting the needs of its citizens first. The proposed expenditure on presidential jets is a national shame, and it’s time for Nigerians to demand better from their leaders. As you noted, it’s surprising that the same people who are complaining about the government’s wasteful spending will likely vote for the same politicians in the next election. It’s a vicious cycle that needs to be broken.”