Tinubu Government Allocates ₦6 Billion for Presidential Jet Overhauls in 2026 Budget

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Private Jet and Bola Tinubu 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has outlined significant expenditures for the maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) in the newly released 2026 fiscal budget. 

According to official documents, the administration of President Bola Tinubu plans to spend ₦6 billion specifically on the overhaul of aircraft engines to ensure the continued airworthiness of the nation's executive jets.

A detailed analysis of the budget reveals that a substantial portion of this fund is dedicated to the 5N-FGW, a Gulfstream G550 business jet. The engine overhaul for this specific aircraft a cornerstone of the presidential fleet is projected to cost ₦3.859 billion.

In addition to the Gulfstream, the government has earmarked ₦2.19 billion for the engine overhauls of two Falcon 7X aircraft. These maintenance costs come as the Nigerian Air Force continues to manage the fleet's operational readiness amidst rising global aviation costs.

Beyond hardware maintenance, the 2026 budget allocates significant resources to keep the fleet in the air. The government has budgeted:

₦1.5 billion for aviation fuel.

₦1.2 billion for general aircraft maintenance and servicing.

These figures highlight the high overhead required to sustain the Presidency's mobility, even as the administration faces public scrutiny over fiscal discipline.

The 2026 budget also provides a glimpse into the administration's planned diplomatic and domestic movements. President Tinubu has earmarked ₦6.1 billion for international travel and ₦873 million for local trips.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is not far behind, with a projected ₦1.3 billion allocated for foreign missions. Combined, the nation's top two leaders are expected to spend ₦7.4 billion on international travel alone during the 2026 fiscal year. This follows a trend seen in 2024, where data from the Open Treasury Portal indicated that the Presidency spent a staggering ₦36.3 billion on foreign travel.

The announcement of these figures coincides with President Tinubu’s recent trip to Europe and his upcoming visit to Abu Dhabi. The President is scheduled to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit (ADSW) at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

While the summit focuses on global sustainable development, the domestic budget continues to account for traditional administrative costs. The 2026 document includes ₦375 million for foodstuffs and catering materials at the State House, ensuring that the Presidency remains well-resourced for official functions.

As Nigerians navigate a challenging economic landscape, the multi-billion naira allocations for jet maintenance and international travel are likely to remain a central point of debate regarding the government's spending priorities.