The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has urged the Federal Government to acquire a new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
This was made known via a report released after its investigation into the condition of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.
“The committee is of the strong and informed opinion that, considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognising the dire consequences of any foreseen or unforeseen mishap that may arise as a result of the technical or operational inadequacy of the presidential air fleet, it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircraft as recommended,” the report reads.
“This will also prove to be most cost-efficient in the long run, apart from the added advantage of providing a suitable, comfortable, and safe carrier befitting of the status and responsibilities of the office of the president and vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In May, some lawmakers suggested that the President should travel via commercial aircraft or by road.
This led to a motion sponsored by Satomi Ahmed, chairman of the House Committee, and ultimately resulting in the house of representatives mandating the committee to conduct a “comprehensive investigation” into the aircraft in the presidential fleet to ascertain their airworthiness and technical status.
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