In recent months, Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria has faced significant safety concerns regarding his official aircraft. The aircraft has been involved in two alarming incidents within a span of five months. In May 2024, mechanical issues forced the Vice President to cancel a planned trip to the US-Africa Business Summit. More recently, in October 2024, a bird strike at JFK Airport resulted in a shattered windshield, raising serious questions about the aircraft's safety and reliability [b091ce32].
These incidents come at a time when Nigeria's economy is struggling, making the Vice President's safety a critical concern for national interests. Nigeria is rich in natural resources, boasting 206.53 trillion cubic feet of gas valued at over $803.4 trillion. Additionally, crude oil earnings surged by 50.2% to approximately N450 billion between December 2023 and January 2024, while agricultural exports increased by 53% to N1.23 trillion in 2023 [b091ce32].
Historical examples of leaders perishing in plane crashes due to outdated aircraft underscore the urgent need for a new plane for the Vice President. Investing in a modern aircraft is viewed as essential not only for the safety of the Vice President but also for Nigeria's economic recovery and international representation [b091ce32]. As the nation navigates its economic challenges, ensuring the safety of its leaders is paramount to maintaining stability and confidence in governance.