In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Abdulaziz revealed that the plane was previously owned by an Arab before being acquired by the Federal Government.
He added that the previous aircraft had safety issues and required an emergency return during a flight with the Vice President on board.
presidential jet
The decision to purchase the Airbus A330 followed an investigative hearing by the National Assembly, which raised concerns about the safety and cost efficiency of the Boeing B737-700 (BBJ).
The new Airbus A330 replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) that was acquired during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
Abdulaziz noted that the Airbus A330 was purchased using funds from the ‘service wide vote,’ a special fund designated for specific purposes, rather than from the regular budget.