The Office of the National Security Adviser says the cost of maintaining Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet has increased significantly because most of the aircraft are serviced abroad, making expenses vulnerable to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Permanent Secretary Mohammed Sanusi disclosed this while defending the agency’s 2026 budget before lawmakers. He also highlighted operational challenges such as inadequate vehicles for covert missions, irregular release of funds, and the non-implementation of parts of the 2025 capital budget.
The Presidential Air Fleet, which transports the president, vice president and other top officials for official and security duties, has faced continued public scrutiny over its maintenance costs. Limited local capacity for specialised aircraft maintenance has forced reliance on foreign facilities, driving up operational expenses.
Sanusi appealed for additional funding through a supplementary budget to address rising security demands.
Senate committee chairman Yahaya Abdullahi said lawmakers would review the requests and may engage the president directly, stressing that adequate funding will be crucial for national security and democratic stability ahead of 2026.
