Akpabio raises alarm over private jet scarcity for campaigns

During a Senate plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North) lamented the difficulties politicians face in securing private jets for their movements ahead of the 2027 general elections. He attributed this challenge to the limited capacity of private airline operators in Nigeria.

Akpabio spoke while lawmakers discussed a motion sponsored by Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North), which sought to enforce the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and China. He urged the Federal Government to address the challenges confronting domestic airlines, highlighting the upcoming December festive season as a period of increased pressure on the aviation industry.

Akpabio recalled the former national carrier, Nigerian Airways, which had operated with 32 to 40 aircraft, questioning the decline of Nigeria's aviation capacity. He emphasized the need for a national carrier to represent Nigeria in international aviation.

The use of private jets has become common among political leaders during election periods, with charter rates estimated between $5,000 and $7,000 per flight hour.