One of us is lying
FG is either lying or omitting important details about the "new" aircraft
Good morning, Big Brains. Congratulations for making it to the end of another week. Today’s edition is very befitting for a Friday - messy, interesting and a tad-bit scary.
- Margaret
Word count: ~800
Reading time ~3 mins
Let’s get into today’s edition:
Nigeria’s “new” presidential aircraft is reportedly 15-years-old
Dangote pushes refinery’s launch to September…again
Thailand reports Asia's first case of deadly Mpox strain
The Big Deal
Nigeria’s “new” presidential aircraft is reportedly 15-years-old
Nigerians love second-hand phones, clothes and even second-hand home appliances. But second-hand presidential aircraft? Not so much.
In a fascinating twist of aviation events, Nigeria’s presidential aircraft has made headlines once again. There are new reports that suggest that the “newly” acquired aircraft, Airbus A330-200, might not be so new. The aircraft is believed to be about 15 years old and passed down to Nigeria after serving two previous owners.
Originally built in November 2009 and registered as VP-CAC for Midroc Aviation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this jet flew for 12 years before its ownership changed hands.
In April 2021, the aircraft was acquired by AMAC Aerospace, a Swiss-based company, retaining its original registration, configuration, and engines. AMAC Aerospace operated it for three years, before it was recently purchased by the Nigerian government.
On August 18, 2024, the federal government reportedly received this newly upgraded aircraft, now registered as 5N-FGA with HEX CODE 06430C. It was delivered from a French factory which makes one question whether its newness is certifiable or the greatest gaslighting Nigerians have ever witnessed.
Why is this a big deal?
The Airbus A330-200, which is reportedly 15-years-old and refurbished, was bought to replace 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ), bought under the Presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo. The Boeing was reportedly faulty and put the life of the president in danger.
Judging by the report, the age gap between the Boeing and Airbus doesn’t particularly give “new and advanced”. It only shows that the Boeing could have been refurbished and upgraded like the Airbus.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the country spent millions of dollars on maintenance for the 19-year-old Boeing. Even though Bayo bragged about how the “new” Airbus was purchased far below the market price which he failed to mention, we might be in for another round of expensive maintenance that would negatively affect the country’s crumbling economy.
Dangote pushes refinery’s launch to September…again
Thomas Edison (aka the guy who had 1,000 unsuccessful attempts before he created the first light bulb) walked so that Aliko Dangote (aka the guy who is trying to create Africa’s largest refinery) could run.
Give the man A1 in resilience because he has once again announced that Dangote Refinery is going to officially launch in September. The refinery is currently conducting test runs for petrol production and should fully start operating by mid-September.
The Dangote Refinery has faced several delays in starting its petrol production, which was first planned for June. Aliko Dangote, said a small technical issue pushed the launch to July, but the refinery missed that deadline too.
Dangote had promised production would begin in August but you already know how that ended.
But it’s not all bad news for the refinery. They’ve started supplying jet fuel and diesel to local businesses and have also begun exporting jet fuel to Europe.
Despite being Africa's most populous country and a major oil producer, Nigeria imports almost all of its fuel. The Dangote Refinery is probably Nigeria’s best shot at reducing its reliance on imported petrol.
Thailand reports Asia's first case of deadly Mpox strain
Asia is the latest continent to be affected by the spread of the new dangerous mpox strain. A 66-year-old European traveler has tested positive for Clade 1b mpox in Thailand.
The Thai Department of Disease Control is currently monitoring 43 close contacts of the patient, who currently show no symptoms. To control the spread, the country has made it compulsory for travelers from 42 “risk countries” to register and be tested on arrival.
Mpox cases are spreading faster in Africa than anywhere else in the world, and the World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency. The new Clade 1b strain is more severe, with a 3.6% fatality rate, and spreads through close contact. But not to worry, it spreads slower than Covid-19 so there’s probably not going to be need for any lockdown soon.
The Big Picks
FG Increases Passport Procurement Fees: Starting September 1, 2024, the Federal Government will raise the fees for getting a Nigerian Passport.
Fidelity Bank Faults NDPC’s Allegations: On Wednesday, bank spokesperson Meksley Nwagboh stated that no data laws were broken to justify the commission’s ₦555.8 million fine.
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