Over the years, the decision by some Nigerian state governors to spend public funds on private jets has consistently sparked national conversations. In a country grappling with poverty, insecurity, and widespread infrastructural decay, these acquisitions often raise difficult questions about governance priorities, fiscal discipline, and leadership values.
While a few governors defended the purchases as necessary for boosting revenue or enhancing security operations, many of these transactions have been marred by controversy, secrecy, and allegations of misuse of public resources. Below is a detailed look at eight Nigerian state governors who, during their time in office, acquired aircraft — with justifications that ranged from official convenience to emergency services.
1. Peter Odili – Rivers State
In 2005, Peter Odili, then Governor of Rivers State, made headlines when his administration procured two aircraft: an Augusta Westland air ambulance and an Embraer Legacy 600 jet. The Embraer was reportedly purchased for $16 million (N3.15 billion), while the helicopter cost $10 million (N1.97 billion). Both were registered under the state government, with officials claiming the purchases were essential for transporting government personnel and responding to medical emergencies.
2. James Ibori – Delta State
The tenure of James Ibori as governor remains clouded by corruption allegations, one of which involved the purchase of a Bombardier Challenger 604 jet valued at about $20 million. Investigations by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC, linked offshore shell companies and collaborators to the transaction, with N3.4 billion allegedly routed through Mauritius via dealings involving Bi-Courtney chairman Wale Babalakin and other associates.
3. Rotimi Amaechi – Rivers State
In October 2012, Rotimi Amaechi’s administration acquired a Bombardier Global 5000 jet (N565RS) for $45.7 million (N7.4 billion) through a Bank of Utah Trustee arrangement. This aircraft was reportedly reserved for the exclusive use of the governor, a move that ignited public outrage. That same year, the state sold off its Embraer Legacy 600 (originally purchased by Odili) and a Dash 8-Q200 to Cross River State for between $6 million and $9 million, citing high maintenance expenses. Additionally, an Agusta Westland helicopter was leased to Aero Contractors, attracting criticism over allegations it was acquired with public funds but often used for personal convenience.
4. Godswill Akpabio – Akwa Ibom State
In 2012, Akwa Ibom, under Godswill Akpabio, secured a Bombardier Global 5000 (N224BH) for $45 million. Like Rivers State, the deal was brokered through a Bank of Utah Trust. Akpabio maintained that the jet was a legitimate state asset intended for official purposes.
5. Adamu Mu’azu – Bauchi State
As Bauchi governor in 2007, Adamu Mu’azu acquired an Embraer 145 jet for $17.5 million (N3 billion). He argued that leasing the aircraft to Dana Aviation through a revenue-sharing deal would increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). However, the aircraft’s fate became a scandal in 2015 when it was declared missing, before being later discovered in Morocco.
6. Danbaba Suntai – Taraba State
Danbaba Suntai, known for his passion for aviation, obtained a Cessna 208, a Bell helicopter, and an Embraer ERJ-145 jet at a combined cost of roughly $21 million (N4.13 billion). Sadly, in October 2012, Suntai suffered severe injuries after crashing the Cessna 208, which he piloted himself. Reports later confirmed he was unlicensed to operate the aircraft.
7. Liyel Imoke – Cross River State
In 2013, Liyel Imoke’s government purchased a Bombardier Dash 8-Q200 for $6 million from Rivers State. Imoke justified the acquisition as a strategic move to develop tourism, with the refurbished plane leased to Aero Contractors to operate flights to Obudu airstrip and other destinations within the state.
8. Rauf Aregbesola – Osun State
In 2013, Rauf Aregbesola procured a Eurocopter AS-355N for N500 million ($2.538 million), asserting that the helicopter would improve aerial security operations and bolster anti-robbery patrols. The aircraft was acquired through a lease arrangement with OAS Helicopters in Lagos. Nevertheless, the deal faced criticism, especially given Osun’s financial challenges at the time.
While a few of these acquisitions may have been justified under state security or revenue improvement claims, the broader pattern underscores a persistent problem of excessive government spending in a nation where infrastructure is deteriorating, public servants face salary delays, and essential healthcare services remain unavailable in many regions.
