President Bola Tinubu's administration has purchased a luxury Airbus A330 presidential aircraft amid immense hardship in the country.

Despite several criticisms from various sources, reports indicate that the federal government under President Bola Tinubu has acquired a luxurious jet which is currently in France.

It was gathered that the plane has been assigned a tail registration that features the seal of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and is ready for delivery.

The aircraft is an ACJ330-200, VP-CAC (msn 1053), registered as 5N-FGA with features like a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom at the front, followed by an office, conference, and dining room. It also has airline-style first-class and economy seating at the rear.

Recall that on June 28, 2024, the Nigerian government planned to spend over N150 billion on a new presidential jet, causing massive controversy in the country.

This comes as the country faces economic challenges, inflation, hunger, among other issues bedeviling the nation.

In a publication cited on SaharaReporters, the Nigerian government planned to buy the Airbus A330 aircraft previously owned by a troubled oil sheikh who used it as collateral for a loan from a German bank.

According to reports, the plane was at that time in the possession of L&L International LLC, a Miami-based aviation firm, which was facilitating the sale on behalf of the German bank. Valued at $600 million, the multi-engine jet boasts a luxurious VIP configuration.

It was stated that the Nigerian government had made a bid of approximately $100 million for the repossessed Airbus A330 aircraft, but the seller, L & L International LLC, was yet to accept the offer.

The proposed payment equivalent was N150.7 billion, based on the official exchange rate of N1,507 per US dollar at the time.

The A330 is the world’s most successful widebody airliner, having evolved through intelligent innovation into an even more capable aircraft - as well as having evolved into freighter, multi-role tanker transport, and corporate jet roles.

Since the report came to light, Nigerians have been reacting to the acquisition. Many expressed sadness at the insensitivity of the government following their decision to purchase a presidential jet worth $100 million but refuse to accept the N250,000 national minimum wage proposal by organized labor.

Not forgetting that the country is plagued with hardship. Prices of food continue to increase daily, fuel prices continue to increase, and the economy remains unstable.