The aircraft cost the Federal Government N1.73 billion.
Speaking while unveiling the aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Okonjo-Iweala disclosed that it would help the customs strengthen aerial surveillance of the various terrains along the country’s borders.
She congratulated the Comptroller General of the Customs, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde, on the acquisition of the aircraft and urged the service to work harder to achieve better results for the country.
“The aircraft is an investment for which the country expects good returns,” she said.
The minister added: “The terrain around the country’s borders includes difficult-to-access riverine and mountainous areas, which make monitoring and combating of the activities of the borders challenging. Several customs personnel have lost their lives or sustained injuries during attacks by smugglers in recent times.”
The 12-seater aircraft, a jet, with registration number 5N-DIA, can fly up to 45,000 ft in altitude, with two engines. The captain is Kuhi Mbaya.
Speaking to our correspondent, Captain Mbaya disclosed that the plane is fitted with the state-of-the-art equipment and could fly long distances.
He disclosed that he flew the plane from Kansas City, in the United States and refuelled in Spain, before arriving Abuja.
Earlier, the CG, in an address, had told the minister that the aircraft would be used for the benefit of the customs in enhancing its revenue collection and surveillance around the borders.
Present during the ceremony were deputy controllers general, air force chiefs and members of paramilitary organizations.
Is this necessary in a country where millions of graduate are unemployed?
1 comment:
Who are this peole fooling?this so called aircraft was purchased for there own selfish Interest.I want to see how they are going to fly that airplane at low level to inspect our border lines.please ask the nigerian custom to publish the specification of the aircraft and let's see if it was designed for such operations
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