The Tinubu administration has placed Nigeria’s aging Boeing 737-700 Business Jet on the market in Switzerland, following its replacement with a newly acquired Airbus A330 for presidential use.
This move comes amid increasing scrutiny of government expenditure and demands for greater transparency in the management of the presidential fleet.
According to Controller, a specialized aircraft listing website, the Boeing jet, which was bought in 2005 during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, is currently undergoing inspections and preparations for its sale at AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland.
This private aviation company also assisted in acquiring the new Airbus presidential jet.
The Boeing 737 has logged nearly 4,000 flight hours and completed 1,881 landings since it was delivered to Nigeria almost two decades ago, serving as the primary aircraft for the country’s presidents.
Its cabin is designed with a five-zone layout accommodating 33 passengers and eight crew members, featuring a private bedroom with an ensuite shower, a VIP office, a conference and dining area, and separate sections for first-class and business-class seating.
The aircraft is equipped with Ka-band internet connectivity and advanced avionics systems, including ADS-B Out, CPDLC, and FANS 1/A, meeting international communication and safety standards.
In July 2024, the Tinubu administration received an Airbus ACJ330-200, registered as 5N-FGA, which is now the new presidential jet.
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This luxury aircraft, which was initially repossessed before being refurbished, includes a full bedroom suite, office space, and a combination of first-class and economy seating in the rear.
The decision to acquire the Airbus generated controversy, especially about the government’s intention to spend over ₦150 billion on the purchase, approximately $100 million at the time, based on an exchange rate of ₦1,507 per US dollar.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga defended the acquisition, stating that the aging Boeing had become increasingly costly to maintain and posed potential safety risks.
The aircraft reportedly experienced a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia, raising concerns in parliament about its reliability and the escalating repair costs.
Despite a partial refurbishment of the BBJ in July 2024, which included upgraded first-class seating, new carpeting, and completion of C1-C2 inspections, the presidency decided to retire the jet and put it up for sale.
The government asserts that the aircraft is in good condition, having always been stored in a hangar and maintained under a professional tracking system.
