A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dino Melaye, has criticised the reported expansion of Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet under President Bola Tinubu, describing the development as “ridiculous” amid the country’s economic challenges.
Melaye, in a statement posted on his verified X account, questioned the reported addition of five aircraft to the presidential fleet in less than four years.
The former Kogi West Senator also alleged that the Nigerian Air Force did not take delivery of a single aircraft throughout 2025, contrasting this with the reported expansion of the presidential fleet.
“This is ridiculous, to say the least, for a country as poor as Nigeria,” Melaye said.
He listed the aircraft he claimed had been added to the Presidential Air Fleet as:
• 5N-FGY — brand-new Bombardier Global 7000
• T7-FGQ — three-year-old Pilatus PC-24
• 5N-FGA — Airbus A330
• M-FGNG — Gulfstream G500
• M-NGSA — Gulfstream G500
According to Melaye, three of the aircraft bearing Nigerian 5N registrations were purchased outright by the Federal Government, while the other two were reportedly leased to the government by a private company at undisclosed rates.
Melaye argued that the reported increase in the presidential fleet raises questions about government spending priorities, particularly amid Nigeria’s economic difficulties and security challenges.
His comments have renewed debate over the size and composition of the Presidential Air Fleet, although the government has yet to specifically respond to his claims concerning the five aircraft and the alleged leasing arrangements.
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