President Bola Tinubu is set to embark on a trip to France on Monday, August 19, aboard the newly acquired luxury Airbus A330 aircraft. The aircraft, which landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday at 8:29 pm, was released by a Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, after being seized by a French court due to a dispute with Ogun State Government.
The President’s trip to France comes after the release of one of the three presidential jets seized by the French court, with the Chinese company characterizing the release as a goodwill gesture ahead of President Tinubu’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The newly acquired aircraft features a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, an office, a conference and dining room, and airline-style first-class and economy seating. The Airbus A330 combines new-generation engines, aerodynamic and other improvements to deliver even more comfort and efficiency.
President Tinubu’s trip to France is seen as a significant diplomatic engagement, and the release of the presidential jet is viewed as a positive development in Nigeria’s relations with China and France. However, some critics have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the release of the jet and the timing of President Tinubu’s trip.
