In a move signaling efforts to streamline its air fleet and respond to growing public demands for fiscal accountability, the Federal Government has placed Nigeria’s aging Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)—formerly used for presidential travel—up for sale in Switzerland.
The jet, a Boeing 737-700 BBJ acquired in 2005 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has been retired from service following the arrival of a new Airbus ACJ330-200, which now serves as the country’s official presidential aircraft. The BBJ is currently undergoing technical inspections at AMAC Aerospace in Basel and is listed for sale on Controller, a leading international aircraft sales platform.
According to Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the decision to retire the BBJ was driven by escalating maintenance costs and operational risks, particularly after the jet reportedly suffered a malfunction during a high-level trip to Saudi Arabia. “The jet had become increasingly unreliable and expensive to maintain,” Onanuga said, adding that the new Airbus, delivered in July 2024, offers better range, safety, and operational efficiency.
The BBJ—once the centerpiece of Nigeria’s presidential fleet—has logged approximately 3,821 flight hours and 1,881 landings. It is configured to carry 33 passengers and 8 crew members, and includes luxury amenities such as a private bedroom with ensuite shower, conference area, VIP office, and business-class seating. The aircraft also boasts modern avionics, including Ka-band Wi-Fi, ADS-B Out, and FANS 1/A capabilities.
Despite a partial interior refurbishment in mid-2024, which included carpet replacement and first-class seat upgrades, the aircraft’s engines—CFM56-7BE models—are not enrolled in any maintenance program and are offered “on condition”, meaning future engine performance is not guaranteed.
While no official asking price has been disclosed, the listing comes in the wake of public backlash over the reported ₦150 billion spent on acquiring the Airbus replacement. Critics questioned the timing of the purchase amid Nigeria’s economic strain, rising inflation, and calls for austerity.
Still, government insiders describe the BBJ’s sale as part of a broader rationalization of the presidential fleet aimed at improving safety, reducing long-term costs, and eliminating underutilized assets.
“This is not just about swapping one jet for another,” said a senior aviation official. “It’s about modernizing our aviation capacity while sending a signal that government assets will be managed more responsibly.”
As of this report, no buyer has been confirmed, but the listing of one of Nigeria’s most iconic aircraft marks a symbolic step in addressing longstanding concerns over the cost and transparency of the presidential air fleet.
