Nigerian Government Approves N19.27 Billion for Presidential Fleet Engine Overhauls, with Vice President’s Jet Receiving Bulk

The Federal Government has approved a total of N19.27 billion over three years for engine overhauls within the Presidential Air Fleet. A significant portion of this budget N10.61 billion (55%) has been allocated specifically for the maintenance of the engines on Vice President Kashim Shettima’s Gulfstream G550 jet.

Analysis of appropriation bills from 2024 to 2026 shows the allocation for the Vice President’s jet surged from N1.24 billion in 2024 to N5.51 billion in 2025, before settling at N3.86 billion in 2026. This substantial funding follows repeated technical faults that forced the cancellation of key international trips in 2024, indicating the need for urgent and extensive repairs.

Other aircraft in the fleet also received maintenance funds, with two Falcon 7X jets allocated N6.98 billion and another Gulfstream jet receiving N1.68 billion. Overall engine maintenance costs peaked in 2025, a period that also saw the delivery of a new N150 billion Airbus A330 for the president, which officials claim will reduce future operating expenses.

Experts note that the high cost for the 13-year-old Gulfstream G550 is typical, as older aircraft require more frequent and expensive overhauls, with complete engine refurbishments often costing between $1.5 million and $3 million per engine.

The 10-aircraft fleet, which includes six jets and four helicopters, has long faced criticism for its size and cost relative to Nigeria’s fiscal challenges. While the president has received a new aircraft, no replacement has been announced for the Vice President’s jet, which continues to command a large share of the maintenance budget.