Is the Presidency Reducing its Fleet?
…As Falcon 900B is Up for Sale
2 min read
File photo of a Falcon jet
The Presidency has placed a public announcement inviting anyone interested in the purchase of one of the jets in its fleet, a Falcon 900B.
Also, the Presidency is even requiring a Free Bid as no payment of any deposit, either none refundable or partially refundable deposit, is required from interested bidders.
A statement by the Nigerian Air Force in its X handle, formerly known as Twitter, clarified that the aircraft was put on sale after obtaining necessary formal approval from the Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN.
The public announcement as published in X stated thus, “In compliance with provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, hereby invites all interested parties to submit free bids for the purchase of the aircraft”.
Further explanations in the request for bids indicated dual provisions for bid application and submission- which is either through digital, electronic mail, or physical submission.
For those desirous of physical submission, the guideline in the announcement stipulated that “the quotations are to be enclosed in an envelope and sealed while the envelope is to bear the name and address of the interested company/entity as well as the description and reference to the request”.
The directive as enunciated in the public announcement added that, “It should also bear the statement, ‘DO NOT OPEN BEFORE 24 DECEMBER 2023’’.
However, for those desirous of submitting their bids through digital, electronic means, such bidders are advised thus, “… submission by email, the bids are to be password protected and send to dproc@airforce.mil.ng while the password is to be sent separately to dproc2@ http://airforce.miI.ng.
Bidders are urged to take special note thus, “Please note that the bids would be processed immediately after the expiration of the deadline for submission.”
Is the request for bids to sell and replace with another one or two jets? Or a government-conscious effort to reduce its fleet to reflect the economic realities of a government that will be committing about 80% of its revenue to service debt. Also taking cognizance that about 70% of its proposed fiscal spending in 2024 will be realized through borrowing.
NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, explaining the rationale for putting the jet for sale said “The sale of the Falcon 900B is part of our ongoing efforts to optimize our fleet and ensure that we are operating as efficiently as possible.”
Commodore Gabkwet said further, “The proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in other areas that are more critical to our operations.”
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