The Federal Government has officially put its Boeing 737-700 Business Jet, acquired two decades ago, up for sale. The listing is being managed by AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland.
This aircraft, purchased for $43 million in 2005 during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo, is being sold following President Bola Tinubu’s transition to a refurbished Airbus A330-200 last August, amid ongoing economic concerns and public scrutiny.
Details obtained by PUNCH Online from the US-based aircraft listing site, The Controller, reveal that the plane has undergone inspections and maintenance in preparation for sale: The Controller Listing (https://www.controller.com/listing/for-sale/244434099/2005-boeing-bbj-jet-aircraft).
Nigeria’s presidential air fleet, managed by the Nigerian Air Force and the Office of the National Security Adviser, consists of about 10 aircraft. This includes several fixed-wing jets, such as a 13-year-old Gulfstream Aerospace G550, a Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7Xs, a Hawker 4000, and a Challenger 605. Notably, three of the seven fixed-wing aircraft are currently reported as unserviceable.
The rotor-wing fleet includes two Agusta 139s and two Agusta 101s, all operated by the Nigerian Air Force but supervised by the Office of the National Security Adviser. Both the Buhari and Tinubu administrations had previously pledged to streamline the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) for improved cost-efficiency.
Until August 2024, the BBJ-737, tail number 5N-FGT, served as the presidential aircraft until the acquisition of the refurbished Airbus A330-200, registered as 5N-FGA. This aircraft was obtained for approximately $100 million (around N150 billion) from a repossessed German bank asset and arrived in France for initial maintenance and reconfiguration in mid-2024.
Since February 2025, the president has utilized a San Marino-registered BBJ (REG: T7-NAS). Sources informed PUNCH Online in early May 2025 that the new A330-200 had been flown to South Africa to change its livery to reflect Nigerian colors, indicating enhancements beyond just the paint job.
The Swiss private aviation firm that facilitated the acquisition of the A330 is also preparing the BBJ-737 for sale. After over 19 years of service, the presidency noted that maintaining the BBJ had become increasingly expensive and subject to safety scrutiny, particularly following a mechanical incident during an official trip to Saudi Arabia in April 2024.
Despite a partial refurbishment in July 2024, which included first-class seating upgrades and new carpeting throughout 90% of the cabin, the decision was made to retire the jet. The aircraft is currently not enrolled in any engine maintenance program, and both CFM56-7BE engines are “on condition,” meaning they do not have guaranteed performance coverage.
Interested buyers may contact AMAC Aerospace privately for the asking price. The aircraft is configured to accommodate 33 passengers and 8 crew members, featuring a 5-zone seating layout. Zone 1 is designated for crew rest, while Zone 2 offers a VIP stateroom with a bed and private lavatory. Zone 3 includes a VIP lounge that serves as a conference room, Zone 4 features nine first-class seats, and Zone 5 offers eighteen business-class seats.
The aircraft has a full-service galley, equipped with a steam oven, microwave, chilled compartments, storage areas, and warming drawers. It also has four enclosed lavatories, including one for crew use and three others for passenger sections.
Connectivity is ensured through Ka-Band Wi-Fi powered by the Honeywell MCS-7000 system, with entertainment options including multiple monitors throughout the cabin.
The BBJ is equipped with advanced avionics systems, including communication and navigation radios, safety features, and emergency equipment. It is compliant with ADS-B, CPDLC, FANS-1/A, and RVSM requirements, and is powered by two CFM56-7BE engines, each with 3,821 hours since new.
The aircraft is capable of intercontinental range, thanks to eight auxiliary fuel tanks that increase total capacity to 70,000 pounds.
Currently, the BBJ is undergoing B1-B2 inspections at AMAC Aerospace in Basel, with C1-C2 inspections completed in July 2024. The aircraft retains its original 2005 exterior paint scheme, featuring a white base with green highlights representing Nigerian colors.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation of the listing from the Presidency were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, went unanswered at the time of this report.
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