The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has called on the Federal Government to acquire new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
The committee made this recommendation in a report released after it conducted an investigation into the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.
According to the committee's report, the purchase of two additional aircraft is necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of the presidential air fleet.
The committee emphasized that the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and the potential consequences of any technical or operational inadequacies in the fleet necessitate the procurement of new aircraft.
"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," the committee stated.
The House of Representatives had previously mandated the committee to investigate the airworthiness and technical status of the aircraft in the presidential fleet.
This directive was issued following reports of faulty aircraft in the fleet, which forced President Tinubu to use a chartered plane during his recent trip from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia.
The committee's recommendation highlights the importance of maintaining a reliable and safe presidential air fleet to ensure the security and efficiency of Nigeria's top leadership during domestic and international engagements.
