The Federal Government has listed Nigeria’s 20-year-old Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), formerly used for presidential travel, for sale in Switzerland following its replacement by a newly acquired Airbus A330.
The Boeing 737-700 BBJ, originally purchased in 2005 during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, is currently undergoing inspections at AMAC Aerospace, Basel, according to public listings on Controller, a global aircraft sales platform. The aircraft had served as the principal presidential jet under successive Nigerian administrations.
The decision to sell the aircraft comes amid sustained public scrutiny of government spending and calls for greater transparency in managing the presidential air fleet. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga previously defended the acquisition of the Airbus ACJ330-200, citing rising maintenance costs and reliability concerns associated with the older Boeing.
“The ageing BBJ had become increasingly expensive to maintain and had suffered a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia,” Onanuga said in response to inquiries last year. He also confirmed the Airbus was delivered in July 2024 and now functions as the official presidential jet.
The Boeing aircraft, built in 2005, has logged approximately 3,821 flight hours and 1,881 landings. It is configured to accommodate 33 passengers and eight crew members across a five-zone layout. Features include a private bedroom with an ensuite shower, VIP office, conference area, and business-class seating. The jet is equipped with Ka-band Wi-Fi, ADS-B Out, and FANS 1/A avionics.
The BBJ underwent partial interior refurbishment in July 2024. Inspections completed include C1-C2 checks, and the interior saw upgrades such as carpet replacement and full refurbishment of first-class seats. However, it is not covered by any engine maintenance programme. Both engines, CFM56-7BE models, remain “on condition,” meaning they operate outside guaranteed performance coverage.
The exact asking price for the aircraft has not been disclosed by either AMAC Aerospace or the Nigerian government.
Controversy surrounded the Airbus acquisition last year when reports indicated the government would spend over ₦150 billion on the new jet. Civil society groups and members of the public questioned the timing and cost amid widespread economic challenges.
The sale of the Boeing aircraft is viewed as part of efforts to rationalise the fleet and address concerns about cost-efficiency and safety. As of this report, the aircraft remains listed for sale with no official buyer announced.
