A lot of Nigerians are upset after President Tinubu Bola bought a new plane for himself while the country is facing a tough economic crisis. This decision comes at a time when people are protesting because they can’t afford food and the cost of living is rising fast.
Tinubu, who became president last year, introduced changes to reduce government spending and boost the economy. One of his most debated decisions was removing fuel subsidies, which caused inflation to jump above 30%. The president said these changes were necessary to help the country grow in the future. But now, many are asking why he’s spending on a new Airbus A330 for himself, especially since the government already has more than five planes.
In January, Tinubu announced plans to cut government travel costs by 60%, including his own trips. Yet, on Monday, he traveled to France on the newly bought plane, leaving people furious. Adding to the frustration, the government has not shared how much the plane cost or why it was bought.
On social media, many Nigerians expressed their anger. One user on X (formerly Twitter) said, “So the government tells us to endure hardship while they’re buying a new jet?” Another user called it “selfish” to make such a purchase when people are struggling to survive.
But not everyone is angry. Some say buying the plane was a smart move and that future presidents will also use it. The president’s team even said the plane was bought for less than its market value, saving the country money on fuel and maintenance.
This new Airbus A330 replaces an old 19-year-old plane the government used before. Although some lawmakers supported buying new planes because the old ones were expensive to maintain, the public is still unsure whether this was the right decision, given the tough times.
Many Nigerians feel the government’s actions don’t match their promises to cut spending, making them question the president’s priorities.
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