The Federal Government has put up for sale a Boeing 737‑700 Business Jet (BBJ), which has been in the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) for nearly two decades.
According to a statement by sources in the Presidency, the aircraft—acquired in 2005 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo—is now listed for sale on an international aircraft marketplace, Controller.com, with the transaction being managed by AMAC Aerospace, based in Basel, Switzerland.
The BBJ, which has served multiple Nigerian Presidents, was reportedly becoming increasingly expensive to maintain, especially after a mechanical issue during an official trip to Saudi Arabia in April 2024.
Though partially refurbished in July 2024, including new carpeting and first-class seat upgrades, the Presidency said the jet had reached a point where continued use was no longer cost-effective or safe.
The BBJ with tail number 5N-FGT was retired following the arrival of a refurbished Airbus A330-200 in August 2024. The A330, acquired at an estimated $100 million (about ₦150 billion) from a repossessed German bank asset, replaced the BBJ and is currently being repainted in Nigerian colours in South Africa, according to aviation sources.
The BBJ had served as Nigeria’s main presidential aircraft for 19 years before its retirement. It is now undergoing B1-B2 inspections at AMAC Aerospace ahead of final listing.
The jet is configured to carry 33 passengers and 8 crew members, featuring five cabin zones. These include a VIP stateroom with a bed and private lavatory, a four-seat conference room, first-class seating for nine, and 18 business-class seats.
Amenities include four enclosed lavatories, Ka-Band Wi-Fi, entertainment systems with multiple screens, a steam oven, microwaves, and full-service galleys.
Though the aircraft is equipped with modern avionics and navigation aids, it is not enrolled in any engine maintenance programme, and both of its CFM56-7BE engines are listed as “on condition”—meaning there is no guaranteed performance coverage.
Its auxiliary power unit (Honeywell 131-9B) has logged 5,982 hours and 3,622 cycles, while the engines have run 3,821 hours with 1,881 cycles since new.
The jet’s range is boosted by eight auxiliary fuel tanks, giving it a total capacity of 70,000 pounds, suitable for intercontinental operations.
Currently, three of the seven fixed-wing aircraft in the presidential fleet are reportedly unserviceable. The fleet, managed by the Nigerian Air Force under the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser, includes a Gulfstream G550, G500, two Dassault Falcon 7Xs, a Hawker 4000, and a Challenger 605.
Efforts to streamline the presidential air fleet began during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and have continued under President Bola Tinubu, in response to mounting economic pressures and public demand for fiscal discipline.
Prospective buyers of the BBJ have been advised to contact AMAC Aerospace directly for pricing and further inquiries.
