Nigeria's Presidential fleet is one of the biggest in Africa and is said to be the 3rd largest in Nigeria after the commercial carriers, Arik Air and Aero Contractors.
President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered that nine of the transport aircrafts in the Presidential fleet to be sold as part of a new cost reduction initiative.
The Federal Government is spending roughly N12 billion annually for the maintenance of the Presidential fleet.
The details of the sale were publicly disclosed by a source who claims awareness of Buhari's mandates and the aviation affairs of the government.
The source told media that the "nine, which still have market value, are to be sold immediately to reduce maintenance costs."
Nigeria's Presidential fleet is one of the biggest in Africa and is said to be the 3rd largest in Nigeria after the commercial carriers, Arik Air and Aero Contractors.
Inside information from Nigerian Air Force sources revealed that the fleet has two Dassault Falcon 900 jets, a Gulfstream IVSP, a Gulfstream V, a Dornier Do 228, a Beechcraft King Air B200, and three Augusta Westland AW139 helicopters.
Information on the exact number of aircrafts in the fleet is classified, but a source has said the their are about 16 aircrafts; the most important and most prominent one is the Eagle One, used by the President for travel.
These aircrafts are specifically reserved for the transport of the Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and can also be used to convey African Heads of States visiting or departing Nigeria.