President Bola Tinubu’s administration has listed Nigeria’s ageing Boeing 737-700 Business Jet (BBJ) for sale in Switzerland, following its recent replacement by a newly acquired Airbus A330 now serving as the presidential aircraft.
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of government expenditure and increasing public calls for transparency in the management of Nigeria’s presidential air fleet.
According to Controller, a website specializing in aircraft listings, the Boeing jet-purchased in 2005 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration-is currently undergoing inspections and sale preparations at AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland. AMAC also oversaw the acquisition of the new Airbus.
A Presidential Workhorse Nearing Retirement
The BBJ has been Nigeria’s primary presidential aircraft for nearly two decades. Since its delivery as a brand-new jet in 2005, it has logged approximately 3,821 flight hours and 1,881 landings. The aircraft features a five-zone VIP cabin configuration accommodating 33 passengers and eight crew members. It includes a private bedroom with an ensuite shower, a VIP office, a conference and dining area, and both first-class and business-class seating zones.
Technologically, the jet is equipped with Ka-band internet, ADS-B Out, CPDLC, and FANS 1/A avionics, ensuring compliance with modern safety and communication standards.
Despite undergoing partial refurbishment in July 2024-including upgraded first-class seating, new carpeting, and the completion of C1-C2 inspections-the jet was ultimately retired from presidential service. The government maintains the aircraft has been well-kept, always hangared, and maintained using the Veyron tracking system. However, it is not enrolled in any engine maintenance program, and its two CFM56-7BE engines are listed as “on condition,” meaning they are not under guaranteed performance coverage.
No asking price has yet been disclosed by either AMAC Aerospace or the Nigerian government.
Transition to Airbus A330 Sparks Debate
In July 2024, Nigeria took delivery of an Airbus ACJ330-200 (registration: 5N-FGA), which now serves as the new presidential aircraft. The Airbus, previously repossessed and refurbished, boasts a luxury layout featuring a full bedroom suite, office space, and a mix of first-class and economy seating at the rear.
The acquisition triggered public backlash after SaharaReporters revealed that over ₦150 billion (approximately $100 million at the then-prevailing exchange rate of ₦1,507/$1) was budgeted for the purchase. Critics questioned the necessity and timing of the expenditure amid economic challenges.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga defended the decision, citing escalating maintenance costs and safety concerns associated with the aging Boeing jet. A reported mid-air malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia raised further concerns, prompting questions in the National Assembly about the aircraft’s reliability.
Technical Snapshot of the Boeing BBJ
- Year of Manufacture: 2005
- Total Flight Hours: 3,821
- Total Landings: 1,881
- Passenger Capacity: 33 passengers + 8 crew (5-zone layout)
- Connectivity: Ka-Band Wi-Fi (Honeywell MCS-7000)
- Compliance: ADS-B Out, CPDLC, FANS 1/A, RVSM
- Engines: Two CFM56-7BE (not under maintenance program; both on-condition)
- Fuel Capacity: 70,000 lbs (with 8 auxiliary tanks)
- Refurbishment: Partial interior upgrade completed July 2024
- Maintenance Status: Undergoing B1-B2 inspections at AMAC Aerospace
- Return to Service Estimate: May 2025
Interior Layout Highlights
- Zone 1: Crew rest area with 4 seats
- Zone 2: VIP stateroom with bed, divan, and private lavatory with shower
- Zone 3: Four-seat conference and lounge
- Zone 4: First-class seating with 9 forward-facing seats and private lavatory
- Zone 5: Business-class section with 18 seats and private lavatory
- Galleys: Full-service forward and aft galleys with ovens, microwave, chilled compartments
- Entertainment: Multiple large monitors in lounge, bedroom, and seating areas
As the government moves to offload the BBJ, observers will watch closely to see if the sale is handled with the level of transparency now demanded by citizens and civil society groups alike.
