In a move that has ignited public debate, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recently chartered a luxury private jet to Italy—an expense reportedly covered by taxpayers’ money. The high-profile trip, which included a delegation of eight, has drawn fresh scrutiny over Wike’s history of lavish spending, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s economic challenges.
A Costly Flight Amid Economic Hardship
An internal memo from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, obtained by SaharaReporters, revealed that Wike and his entourage departed on a VIP flight at 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday. The jet, a Bombardier Global 7500 with registration number MLT/9H-VIK GL7T, is one of the world’s most expensive private charter aircraft.
The document read:
“Departure of non-scheduled flight at 2247hrs. Movement of VIP Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Wike Ezenwo Nyesom, with eight other passengers, departed to Italy via a private jet with reg no: MLT/9H-VIK GL7T.”
Wike landed in Milan around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, where he was received by Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.
The Official Justification
Defending the trip, Wike stated that his visit to Italy was for official engagements, including a meeting with the President of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana.
In a post on his X account, Wike wrote:
“I arrived in Milan, Italy, today, ahead of my meeting with the President of Lombardy Region, H.E. Attilio Fontana, on Thursday.”
According to him, the discussions focused on collaboration in agriculture, particularly livestock development, as well as vocational education programs that could benefit Nigeria’s youth.
A video later surfaced showing Wike and his sons posing for pictures with the Lombardy Regional Government’s president during the visit—an image that further fueled questions about the nature of the trip.
Public Outrage and a History of Extravagance
Wike’s use of a luxury private jet has sparked concerns about government spending priorities, particularly as Nigerians grapple with inflation, unemployment, and economic difficulties. This isn’t the first time the former Rivers State governor has faced allegations of excessive spending.
During his tenure as governor, reports surfaced in 2020 that his administration allocated billions of naira to purchase luxury vehicles for judges and politicians—at a time when the state was struggling with infrastructure deficits. More recently, Wike’s management of the 2024 supplementary budget for the FCT has raised eyebrows, with significant funds reportedly directed towards high-ranking officials’ rent and furniture expenses.
What Did the Trip Achieve?
Upon his return to Abuja on Monday, March 10, 2025, Wike addressed journalists at the airport, highlighting agreements reached during the visit. He announced plans to establish a vocational training center in Abuja and a partnership to modernize agriculture in the FCT.
While Wike insists that the Italy trip was for the benefit of Nigerians, critics argue that the mode of travel and timing of the visit raise serious concerns. Was a luxury private jet necessary? Could the trip’s objectives have been achieved through more cost-effective means?
As Nigerians demand greater transparency and accountability in government spending, Wike’s Italy trip remains a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over public officials’ use of state resources.
