N7bn presidential jets sale presidency
You're referring to the recent controversy surrounding the sale of Nigeria's presidential jets.
In 2021, the Nigerian government announced the sale of two of its presidential jets, a Boeing 737-800 and a Falcon 7X, to a private company, Caverton Offshore Support Group Limited. The sale was reportedly done to reduce the country's debt burden and to generate revenue.
However, the sale has been met with widespread criticism and controversy, with many Nigerians questioning the decision to sell the jets, which were valued at around N7 billion (approximately $18 million).
Some of the concerns raised include:
- Lack of transparency: The sale was reportedly done without public consultation or transparency, leading to concerns about corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
- Insecurity: The sale of the jets has raised concerns about the security implications for the country, particularly in light of the ongoing insurgency in the North East and other security challenges.
- Waste of resources: Critics argue that the sale of the jets is a waste of resources, as they were still in good condition and could have been used for official purposes.
- Lack of alternative: The sale of the jets has left the country without a suitable alternative for official travel, which could impact the country's diplomatic and economic relations.
The controversy has led to calls for the government to reverse the decision and to provide more information about the sale. The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has defended the sale, stating that it was done in accordance with the country's laws and regulations.
Overall, the sale of Nigeria's presidential jets has sparked a heated debate about the country's priorities, transparency, and accountability.