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FG to spend N19bn for VP’s aircraft engine maintenance, others

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The Federal Government has allocated a cumulative N10.61bn for the overhaul of engines on the Gulfstream G550 aircraft assigned to Vice President Kashim Shettima over a three-year period, an analysis of appropriation bills from 2024 to 2026 has revealed.

The aircraft, registered as 5N-FGW, received the highest single allocation among all engine overhaul projects in the Presidential Air Fleet, accounting for 55 per cent of the N19.27bn total spent on engine maintenance across the fleet under the President Bola Tinubu administration.

Budget documents obtained and analysed show that the allocation for overhauling the vice president’s aircraft engines jumped from N1.24bn in 2024 to N5.51bn in 2025—a 345 per cent increase—before settling at N3.86bn in 2026.

The 2024 Appropriation Bill listed the project under code ERGP31206170 as “Overhaul of 5N-FGW Engines” with a “NEW” status and an allocation of N1.24bn. By 2025, the project’s status changed to “ONGOING” with the allocation rising to N5.51bn, before declining to N3.86bn in 2026 while maintaining its “ONGOING” status.

The 13-year-old Gulfstream G550, which flies under the call sign “Nigerian Air Force 2” when carrying the vice president, has been plagued by technical faults that have led to cancellations of Shettima’s international trips in the past.

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In May 2024, Shettima was forced to abort his trip to the United States for the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas, after the aircraft developed a technical fault mid-flight.

The incident occurred less than a month after President Tinubu was compelled to charter a private jet to Saudi Arabia when the same Gulfstream jet, originally assigned to the vice president, developed an oxygen leak in the Netherlands. Four months later, in October 2024, the vice president again cancelled his trip to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Samoa after a foreign object hit the aircraft during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York.

Presidency officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to our correspondent, said the repeated technical failures may have prompted urgent maintenance, which in turn drove the escalating budget allocations.

Aside from the vice president’s aircraft, the FG also allocated funds for overhauling engines on two Falcon 7X jets (registered 5N-FGV and 5N-FGU), which received N1.66bn in 2024, N3.13bn in 2025, and N2.19bn in 2026, totalling N6.98bn over the three years. Additionally, a Gulfstream jet registered 5N-FGS received N1.68bn for engine overhaul in 2024, though no further allocations were made for it in subsequent years.

In total, engine overhaul projects across the Presidential Air Fleet consumed N4.58bn in 2024, N8.65bn in 2025, and N6.05bn in 2026, bringing the three-year aggregate to N19.27bn.

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A close study of the allocation patterns revealed that engine maintenance costs peaked in 2025, a year after the Presidency took delivery of the N150bn Airbus A330, which the Spokesman to the President, Bayo Onanuga, argued would “save Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.”

While engine overhaul spending for older aircraft declined by 30 per cent in 2026 compared to 2025, routine aircraft maintenance allocations under line item 22020407 increased by 10 per cent, from N4.12bn in 2025 to N4.54bn in 2026.

“These aircraft are not new. The older the aircraft, the higher the cost of maintenance and operation. So, the cost will increase over the years,” said General Secretary of the Aviation Round Table, Olumide Ohunayo. He argued that the Gulfstream G550, now 13 years old, requires increasingly frequent and expensive overhauls as critical components, such as engines, approach the end of their operational lifespan.

“The figure likely includes far more than the direct cost of repairing the aircraft,” Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Security Limited, John Ojikutu, stated.

“Engine overhauls are mandatory at specified intervals, regardless of whether the aircraft has been flown extensively or not,” explained an aircraft maintenance engineer who requested anonymity. “For a jet like the G550, a complete engine overhaul can cost anywhere from $1.5m to $3m per engine, depending on the condition and the extent of work required. If you see the cost increase, it could mean they’re replacing major components, not just doing standard checks. It could also show that they deferred previous maintenance and have to do catch-up work.”

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The Presidential Air Fleet, managed by the Nigerian Air Force and headquartered at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, currently operates 10 aircraft, including six fixed-wing jets and four helicopters.

Critics have long argued that Nigeria’s presidential fleet is among the largest in Africa and disproportionately expensive for a country grappling with severe fiscal constraints.

The Executive Chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, argued that the administration’s spending habits were opposite to Nigerians’ expectations of frugality.

“What we are getting from this administration is the opposite of our expectations. We thought we would have an administration that would be frugal in spending and very meticulous in implementing its budget. But what we are getting is an administration that has fallen in love with profligacy, that doesn’t see anything wrong in living big in the midst of a poverty-stricken nation,” said Adeniran.

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence had in 2024 recommended the procurement of new aircraft for both the president and vice president, citing high maintenance costs and safety concerns with the ageing fleet. While the president received the Airbus A330, no similar replacement was announced for the vice president’s aircraft, which has received substantial maintenance allocations under Tinubu.

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At the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not responded to inquiries about the specific nature of the engine work carried out on the aircraft.

The budget documents also indicate ongoing capital projects for PAF infrastructure, including N714.8m for the construction of a hangar for the Presidential Air Fleet in 2025, which fell to N500.36m in 2026.

The PAF’s total budget allocation declined from N17.32bn in 2025 to N14.70bn in 2026, mainly driven by decreased capital expenditure.

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Traveller Praises Enugu Air, Says Airline Has Made Enugu More Accessible

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A traveller who arrived in Abuja aboard an Enugu Air flight has praised the airline for its service, describing the flight as smooth, calm and comfortable despite unfavourable weather conditions.
The traveller, Wordshot Amaechi Ugwele, in a viral social media post said Enugu Air had become a source of pride for the South-East and had significantly improved connectivity between Enugu and other parts of Nigeria.
Ugwele said the airline’s expansion to destinations including Benin and Kano had made air travel more accessible to residents of the region.
He said, “Today, our people can also fly directly from Enugu to Kano, a travel convenience that would have seemed unimaginable not too long ago, until Enugu Air made it a reality.”
Ugwele also commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for what he described as his vision, meticulous planning and disciplined execution in driving development across the state.
According to him, the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, connectivity and economic transformation had contributed to Enugu’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing states.
He said the establishment and expansion of Enugu Air demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving transportation and connecting Enugu with other parts of the country and beyond.

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Canada based Prophetess Sparks Controversy After Celebrating Mother-in-Law’s Death

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Prophetess Ezinne Nwanorue, a Nigerian preacher based in Canada, has sparked controversy online after appearing to celebrate the death of her mother-in-law in a social media post that has drawn widespread criticism.

The cleric shared the funeral poster of the deceased, Comfort Nwanorue, on Facebook on Monday, accompanying it with remarks in which she accused her late mother-in-law of being responsible for some of the challenges she had faced in the past.

Ezinne claimed she had endured years of spiritual attacks and persecution, saying she believed God had exposed those she held responsible for her struggles.

She also issued stern warnings to individuals she described as agents of evil, urging them to repent.

Her comments triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many users criticising her for publicly expressing what they perceived as joy over the death of a family member.

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The incident has also renewed public interest in Ezinne’s marriage to Franklin Nwanorue, which previously made headlines over a controversial fidelity oath he took before relocating to Canada.

Before leaving Nigeria, Franklin reportedly recorded a video in which he pledged to remain faithful to his wife, declaring that he should die if he ever cheated on her after relocating abroad.

However, Ezinne later accused her husband of violating the oath, alleging in a separate Facebook post that he had become involved with another woman despite his public declaration.

As of the time of filing this report, Franklin Nwanorue and other members of his family had yet to publicly respond to Ezinne’s latest social media post.

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Nnamdi Kanu Terminates Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s Legal Representation, Withdraws IPOB Mandate

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The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally terminated the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, directing him to stop representing him, his family or IPOB in any capacity.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said Ejiofor’s engagement as his personal legal representative had previously been terminated verbally, adding that the latest letter served as formal written confirmation of the decision.
Kanu also withdrew any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to act for or represent IPOB, insisting that the lawyer no longer had any express, implied or ostensible authority to speak or act on behalf of the group.
Citing Section II, Subsection A of the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu said the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers rests exclusively with the IPOB leader unless expressly delegated.
He argued that no individual, committee or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the IPOB Code of Conduct could validly appoint or retain legal representatives for the organisation.
Kanu directed Ejiofor to immediately stop making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases or publishing social media posts on behalf of him, his family or IPOB.
He also instructed the lawyer to stop presenting himself as his legal representative or that of IPOB in any court, forum or public space, and to take the necessary legal steps to withdraw from any pending matters in which he remains counsel of record.
See also: Nnamdi Kanu engages new legal team as terrorism trial begins today
In the letter, Kanu warned Ejiofor against disclosing or misusing confidential information obtained during their lawyer-client relationship.
“Accordingly, I hereby place you on formal notice that you are not authorised to disclose, publish, communicate, exploit, or otherwise use any confidential or privileged information acquired in the course of your retainer, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose whatsoever, except as required by law or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, without my express written authorisation.
“Any unauthorised disclosure or misuse of privileged information may constitute professional misconduct and may give rise to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, as well as any other remedies available under the law.”
Kanu further cautioned that any breach of client confidentiality or unauthorised disclosure of privileged information could amount to professional misconduct and attract disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), in addition to other legal remedies available under Nigerian law.
I tightened the language, removed repetition and improved the flow while retaining the substance of the original report.

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Rescue Operations Ongoing After Three-Storey Building Collapses in Oko

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Rescue operations are ongoing following the late-night collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The building collapsed on Sunday night, July 26, 2026, trapping some occupants beneath the rubble.

According to the Anambra State Police Command, a police-led joint security team was immediately deployed to the scene following a distress report.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday.

Ikenga said, “On receipt of the distress report, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts.

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“The Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also responded promptly and joined in the rescue operation.

“The Command notes that rescue operations are ongoing to reach other persons who may still be trapped, as the number of casualties or affected persons cannot yet be confirmed.

“Also, some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

“To this end, members of the public, especially residents in the area, are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.

“Further updates will be communicated as more verified information becomes available.”

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Oji River College Gets N127.1bn for 393 Empowerment Projects — Tracka

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The Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, has been allocated 393 empowerment projects valued at N127.1bn in the 2026 Appropriation Act, according to civic technology organisation, Tracka.

The allocation is part of N947.70bn earmarked for 2,579 empowerment projects across the country, with Tracka raising concerns over transparency and accountability.

The organisation said the projects were spread across 184 implementing agencies, including institutions whose statutory mandates do not ordinarily cover empowerment programmes.

The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa, Gombe, received 216 projects worth N88.1bn, while the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, was allocated 94 projects valued at N36.9bn.

The National Agricultural Development Fund received six projects worth N89.5bn, including N89.09bn for the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme.

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Tracka said only 70 of the 2,579 empowerment projects had clearly identified locations, making it difficult for citizens and oversight bodies to track implementation.

The projects include buses, tricycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, sewing machines, fertilisers, vocational equipment and grants.

Overall, N962.83bn was earmarked for SUVs and empowerment projects, comprising N15.13bn for 39 SUVs and N947.70bn for the empowerment programmes. Tracka said the amount exceeds the combined N960.27bn allocated to seven federal ministries.

The organisation warned that poorly designed empowerment schemes could become channels for political patronage, while calling for greater transparency and accountability.

Its concerns come amid rising government borrowing. The Federal Government has increased its 2026 borrowing plan to N29.20tn, while total spending is projected at N68.32tn against revenue of N36.87tn, leaving a deficit of N31.46tn.

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The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, warned that rising deficits and debt could threaten Nigeria’s fragile economic stability and create a risk of a debt trap.

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