The Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has moved to sell the country’s aging presidential aircraft, a Boeing 737-700 Business Jet (BBJ), with the plane now listed for sale through Swiss aviation specialists.
The 20-year-old aircraft, originally purchased in 2005 during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, is currently undergoing pre-sale inspections and preparation at AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland. The jet has been listed on multiple aircraft sales platforms, including Controller and JET HQ, according to reports from Headlinenews.
Aircraft Specifications and History
The Boeing 737 BBJ has accumulated just under 4,000 flight hours and completed 1,881 landings since its delivery nearly two decades ago. Despite its age, the aircraft boasts impressive specifications designed for executive transport.
The jet features a sophisticated five-zone cabin layout accommodating 33 passengers and eight crew members. Key amenities include a private presidential bedroom with ensuite shower, a VIP office space, conference and dining areas, plus separate first-class and business-class sections. The aircraft is equipped with modern connectivity features including Ka-band internet and advanced avionics systems such as ADS-B Out, CPDLC, and FANS 1/A for international communication and safety compliance.
New Presidential Aircraft
The sale follows the July 2024 delivery of Nigeria’s new presidential aircraft, an Airbus ACJ330-200 registered as 5N-FGA. This replacement aircraft, originally a repossessed plane that underwent extensive refurbishment, features similar luxury amenities, including a full bedroom suite, office space, and mixed seating configurations.
Controversy and Justification
The $100 million acquisition of the new Airbus sparked significant public criticism, with many Nigerians viewing the expenditure as excessive given the country’s economic challenges. Critics argued the purchase demonstrated government insensitivity to citizens’ daily struggles.
However, Presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga defended the acquisition, arguing it represented sound financial planning. “The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly,” Onanuga stated on social media platform X.
The sale of the older Boeing jet appears to be part of the administration’s strategy to offset some costs associated with the new aircraft acquisition while modernizing the presidential fleet.
