Politician and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to provide full transparency regarding the procurement and handling of both old and new presidential jets. His comments follow recent controversies involving the Ogun State government’s contract with a Chinese company, which led to the seizure of three aircraft.
Obi emphasized the need for the government to disclose details such as the cost, number, and age of the jets, as well as the reasons for disposing of older ones. He stated, “Nigerian taxpayers deserve to know how much the new jet cost, its age, and how long it’s been in operation. Transparency and accountability should be the hallmark of any genuine leadership.”
He also stressed that the presidential jet is a significant symbol of national sovereignty, and the costs associated with it should be a matter of public accountability. Obi urged the government to respect the citizens’ right to full disclosure.
The controversy began when a French court ordered the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets over a contract dispute with Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited. The court barred Nigeria from moving or selling the jets until the Chinese company received the awarded $74.5 million. The seized jets include a Dassault Falcon 7X in Paris, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus 330 in Switzerland, although one jet has since been released.
In response, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga accused the Chinese firm of attempting to seize Nigerian offshore assets through deceptive means. Meanwhile, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel has called for a diplomatic resolution to the dispute.
