Nigeria Lists Obasanjo-Era Presidential Jet for Sale in Switzerland

Abuja/Basel – Nigeria’s Federal Government has officially put its two-decade-old Boeing 737-700 Business Jet (BBJ), which served as the principal presidential aircraft for nearly two decades, up for sale. The aircraft, originally acquired in 2005 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for $43 million, is currently undergoing inspections at AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland, and is publicly listed on Controller, a global aircraft sales platform.

The decision to sell the veteran jet follows its replacement by a refurbished Airbus A330-200, which President Bola Tinubu began utilizing in August 2024. The move comes after the Boeing 737-700 BBJ experienced a significant malfunction during one of President Tinubu’s trips to Saudi Arabia in April 2024, raising concerns about its safety and escalating maintenance costs. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the aging jet had become increasingly expensive to maintain and posed a potential safety risk.

Despite undergoing a partial interior refurbishment in July 2024, which included upgrades to its first-class seating, new carpeting, and completion of C1-C2 inspections, the Presidency opted for its retirement and sale. The aircraft has logged approximately 3,821 flight hours and 1,881 landings. It is configured to accommodate 33 passengers and 8 crew members across a five-zone layout, featuring a VIP stateroom, private lavatory, and advanced avionics systems.

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The acquisition of the new Airbus A330, reportedly costing over ₦150 billion (approximately $100 million), had previously drawn public scrutiny regarding government expenditure. The sale of the Boeing jet is seen as part of a broader effort to rationalize the presidential air fleet and address concerns about cost-efficiency and safety. While the exact asking price for the aircraft has not been publicly disclosed by either AMAC Aerospace or the Nigerian government, the listing marks a significant shift in the nation’s presidential travel arrangements.