P resident Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent acquisitions of luxury assets, including a new presidential jet, a yacht, and a bulletproof vehicle, have ignited widespread outrage in Nigeria, a nation already grappling with severe economic challenges. These purchases have come at a time when citizens are being urged to endure rising inflation, skyrocketing living costs, and worsening economic conditions.
Extravagance Amid Hardship
The controversy has centered on Tinubu's acquisition of an Airbus A330 presidential jet, reportedly costing a staggering $100 million, with an additional $50 million allocated for modernization. This extravagant expenditure is further compounded by the purchase of a Cadillac Escalade worth N1 billion and a luxury yacht valued at N5 billion. These acquisitions have drawn sharp criticism from many Nigerians, who view them as a stark contrast to the government's repeated calls for austerity and resilience in the face of hardship.
Adding to the public outrage, data from the Open Treasury Portal revealed that the Nigerian government spent N15.9 billion on aircraft maintenance and fueling in just the first six months of 2024. This figure includes N9 billion for maintenance and N6.9 billion for fueling, highlighting the significant costs associated with the presidential fleet. Reports have indicated that Nigeria spends as much as $1 billion annually on aircraft maintenance, a staggering amount for a country struggling with debt and economic instability.
Public Backlash
Prominent activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has been especially vocal in condemning the president's spending spree. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore accused Tinubu of prioritizing personal luxury over the welfare of the Nigerian people.
"Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said one year isn’t enough for Nigerians to enjoy a better country, but look at what he bought for himself in just one year: yacht, jet, bulletproof Escalade, mansion for VP. #RevolutionNow," Sowore wrote.
Other social media users echoed these sentiments. Abdul-Aziz Na'ibi Abubakar posted,
"LAND, AIR, SEA! THE CITY BOY 🔥 Enjoyment wan kill me in Tinubu's voice 😂... People are dy!ng of hunger, and President Tinubu is buying a presidential jet. This is the height of insensitivity,"
while actor Kenneth Okonkwo also criticized the president's apparent disregard for the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. The National Youth Alliance added their voice to the growing discontent, stating,
"On land, he rides in style with a Cadillac Escalade worth N1 billion. On water, he sails in luxury on a yacht valued at N5 billion. In the skies, he soars in opulence on a jet costing N238 billion! What kind of leader is Bola Ahmed Tinubu?"
A Nation in Crisis
The growing discontent reflects the deep frustration among Nigerians who feel betrayed by the government's actions during a time of national crisis. With Nigeria heavily indebted and struggling to fund its budget, there have been increasing calls for more prudence in governance and a significant reduction in the cost of governance. The lavish spending by the Tinubu administration is seen as a direct affront to these calls, exacerbating the sense of betrayal among a populace already enduring significant economic hardships.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its economic challenges, the president's spending habits have become a focal point of national debate, raising questions about leadership priorities and the government's commitment to addressing the needs of its people.
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