We can’t find enough private jets to hire for our campaigns – Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lamented the difficulty politicians are facing in securing private jets for their movements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akpabio attributed the challenge to the limited capacity of private airline operators in Nigeria to meet the growing demand for air travel.
He spoke on Tuesday during plenary while lawmakers deliberated on a motion seeking the enforcement of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and China.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to renegotiate the agreement to enable Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to China.
Using the December festive season to illustrate the pressure on the aviation industry, Akpabio urged the Federal Government to address the challenges confronting domestic airlines.
“Watch December and the confusion. Even the private airlines cannot handle it. Common campaigns, we cannot see even private jets to hire. We should at least be able to urge the federal government to look into that to alleviate the plight of airlines,” he said.
The Senate President also recalled the country’s former national carrier, Nigerian Airways, which he said once transported Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for religious activities.
According to him, the airline had between 32 and 40 aircraft operating flights to different destinations, questioning how the country’s aviation industry deteriorated from its previous capacity.
“We used to have a plane in those days carrying people to Saudi Arabia and all that. At the time, Nigerian Airways had about 32 planes on ground, about 40, going from one place to the other. So, how did we get here?” he asked.
Akpabio stressed the need for Nigeria to establish a national carrier capable of representing the country in international aviation operations.
Private jet usage has become a common feature of political campaigns and official engagements among Nigeria’s political leaders, particularly during election periods.
Presidential candidates and their parties often charter private aircraft to move between states for rallies, campaign meetings and other political activities within limited schedules.
The practice also extends to governors, ministers, federal lawmakers and other senior government officials, who frequently rely on privately owned or chartered aircraft for domestic and international travels.
Online estimates put private jet charter rates in Nigeria between $5,000 and $7,000 per flight hour, depending on the aircraft type, passenger capacity, distance and operational conditions.
Based on those estimates, a four-to-six-hour journey could cost between $20,000 and $42,000.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also told a United Kingdom court in 2026 that he approved the use of private jets by former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke for some international trips.
