The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has resolved to establish a technical committee to investigate and address the recurring issues with the presidential aircraft.
This decision came after a closed-door meeting with Air Vice Marshal Olayinka Olusola, commander of the Presidential Air fleet, on May 20, 2024, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The committee’s action is in response to the recent use of a chartered plane by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima due to the malfunctioning of the presidential aircraft.
In April, the President flew a chartered plane from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia for the World Economic Forum, and just last week, the Vice President cancelled his trip to the US due to a faulty aircraft.
The committee, led by Chairman Ahmad Satomi, debated a motion of urgent public importance and resolved to invite the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Commander of the presidential fleet to explain the frequent breakdowns despite significant budget allocations for maintenance.
During the debate, House Minority Whip, Isa, suggested that the President and Vice President consider traveling by road to experience the state of road infrastructure firsthand.
The technical committee will work with officials at the presidential air fleet to generate a comprehensive report and find solutions to the issues, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the presidential aircraft.
Briefing journalists after the executive session, Satomi confirmed that the technical committee will be set up to interface with the officials and generate a resolution.
