Private Jets and Helicopters Become Preferred Mode of Transportation for Nigerian Politicians

Strategic Insights -

As the 2023 general election heats up, Nigeria's charter operators are reaping massive benefits from the increased demand for private jets and helicopters by politicians. The four major presidential front-runners, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Bola Tinubu, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, have been frequently spotted using private jets to move from state to state for campaign rallies. This trend is not limited to presidential candidates, as governors, ministers, senators, and house of representatives members also hire planes for their campaigns. According to the president of the National Association of Air Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Abednego Galadima, chartering a plane can cost between N7 million and N13 million per day, depending on the destination and capacity of the aircraft.

Key Takeaways:

  • Charter operators are making a killing as private jets and helicopters have become the preferred mode of transportation for Nigerian politicians.
  • The four major presidential front-runners, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Bola Tinubu, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, have been frequently spotted using private jets to move from state to state for campaign rallies.
  • Governors, ministers, senators, and house of representatives members also hire planes for their campaigns, contributing to the demand for charter services.
  • The cost of chartering a plane can range from N7 million to N13 million per day, depending on the destination and capacity of the aircraft.
  • Executive jets can cost up to $10,000 (N7.5 million) per day, while Embraer planes can cost N13 million per day.
  • Helicopters, used by candidates like Peter Obi, can be expensive, with a daily cost of up to $4,000 (N3 million) for oil operations.

Statistics:

  • Zaria
  • Cost of chartering an Embraer plane: approximately N13 million per day.
  • Cost of chartering an Executive jet: up to $10,000 (N7.5 million) per day.
  • Cost of renting a helicopter: up to $4,000 (N3 million) per day for oil operations.

Sources:

  • "We're making money from charter ops during campaigns" - Daily Sun, [No date] cited by Abednego Galadima, President, NAAPE.
  • Mudi Muhammad, Chairman, NAAPE, Arik Air chapter, cited by Daily Sun, [No date].