President Bola Tinubu’s administration has put up Nigeria’s ageing Boeing 737-700 Business Jet (BBJ) for sale in Switzerland, following its replacement with a newly acquired Airbus A330 for presidential use.
The decision comes amid growing scrutiny over government spending and calls for transparency in the management of Nigeria’s presidential air fleet.
According to Controller, a website specialising in aircraft listings, the Boeing jet, purchased in 2005 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is currently undergoing inspections and preparation for sale at AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland. This private aviation firm also facilitated the acquisition of the new Airbus.
The 737 aircraft, which has flown just under 4,000 hours and completed 1,881 landings since it was delivered brand new to Nigeria nearly two decades ago, has long served as the primary jet for Nigerian presidents.
Its cabin features a five-zone layout designed for 33 passengers and eight crew members, including a private bedroom with an ensuite shower, a VIP office, a conference and dining area, and separate first-class and business-class sections.
It also boasts Ka-band internet connectivity and advanced avionics systems such as ADS-B Out, CPDLC, and FANS 1/A, aligning it with international communication and safety standards.
In July 2024, the Tinubu administration took delivery of an Airbus ACJ330-200, registered as 5N-FGA, which now serves as the new presidential jet.
The luxury aircraft, which was originally repossessed before being refurbished, includes a full bedroom suite, office space, and a mix of first-class and economy seating in the rear.
The decision to acquire the Airbus sparked controversy, particularly after SaharaReporters revealed that the government planned to spend over ₦150 billion on the purchase — equivalent to around $100 million at the time, based on an exchange rate of ₦1,507 per US dollar.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga defended the move, stating that the ageing Boeing had become increasingly expensive to maintain and posed a potential safety risk.
The aircraft had reportedly suffered a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia, prompting concerns in parliament about its reliability and the rising cost of repairs.
Despite the partial refurbishment of the BBJ in July 2024, which included upgraded first-class seating, new carpeting, and completion of C1-C2 inspections, the presidency opted to retire the jet and list it for sale.
The government claims that the aircraft remains in good condition, having always been hangared and maintained on a professional tracking system.
However, it is not enrolled in any engine maintenance program, and both of its CFM56-7BE engines remain “on condition” — meaning they are not subject to guaranteed performance coverage
