President Bola Tinubu on Saturday departed Abuja for a three-state working visit to Borno, Bauchi and Lagos, travelling aboard the 20-year-old Boeing 737 Business Jet acquired during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The President left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 11:45am, beginning a trip that combines official engagements with the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Ahead of his arrival, the Borno State Police Command said it had deployed tactical teams, surveillance units and explosive ordnance disposal operatives to ensure tight security across the state.
Tinubu’s use of the Obasanjo-era aircraft confirmed its return to active service months after it was quietly withdrawn from an international sales platform, where it had been listed as part of the Federal Government’s cost-cutting measures.
The jet was delisted after potential buyers reportedly made offers far below government expectations.
Acquired in 2005 for about $43m, the aircraft served successive administrations until August 2024, when the Tinubu government received a refurbished Airbus A330-200 for presidential use.
Despite plans to dispose of the older jet, it was previously deployed in July to convey the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari from London to Daura.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s first stop is Maiduguri, where he will inaugurate projects executed by the Borno State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government.
He is also expected to attend the wedding of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.
From Borno, the President will proceed to Bauchi to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who died at the age of 101. He will thereafter travel to Lagos to spend the Yuletide.
While in Lagos, Tinubu is expected to serve as Guest of Honour at the Eyo Festival scheduled for December 27 at Tafawa Balewa Square.
The event will honour notable personalities, including his late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, and former Lagos State governors, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Chief Michael Otedola.
