Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential jet, an Airbus A330-200, has returned to the country after undergoing a repaint in South Africa. The aircraft was given a new look, now reflecting Nigeria’s national colours—green and white.
As reported by The PUNCH, the aircraft, identified by the registration number 5N-FGA, was seen on Wednesday at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Images shared by the aviation-monitoring page @Abuja_Aviation on Instagram showed the plane with a fresh white base coat, accented by green-white-green stripes along its body, and the Nigerian Air Force crest near the cockpit.
Red covers were placed on the engines, indicating the aircraft was not in use at the time. A stairway was stationed at the main entrance, though no one was seen boarding or exiting. Some personnel were present around the aircraft’s nose and wings.
A source within the Presidency, who chose to remain unnamed, confirmed the plane’s return, noting that it had received not only a new paint job but also some minor interior upgrades. He added that the jet would resume official use after routine checks are completed by the Nigerian Air Force’s Presidential Air Fleet.
Though the official timeline for its next flight was not given, a video released by the State House on Friday showed President Bola Tinubu boarding the aircraft for a visit to Kano State. He is also scheduled to visit Ogun State to pay condolences to the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died at the age of 91 on July 13, 2025, after 65 years on the throne.
Earlier in May, it was reported that the aircraft had been flown abroad for repainting and minor modifications. The government had taken delivery of the 15-year-old Airbus in August 2024, but it had been grounded for a few months prior to being ferried to South Africa.
Since February 2025, President Tinubu had relied on a Boeing Business Jet registered in San Marino (T7-NAS) for both domestic and international travels due to the Airbus’s temporary unavailability.
Insiders confirmed the primary reason for the aircraft’s trip was to update its exterior to match the official appearance of Nigeria’s presidential fleet. Some minor refurbishments were also reportedly carried out inside the aircraft.
Now registered in Nigeria and operated by the Nigerian Air Force’s 001 Squadron, the A330 is equipped with high-end features including a private bedroom, bathroom with shower, conference area, and a secure communication system. The plane was purchased for $100 million (approximately N150 billion), reportedly from a European leasing firm, through service-wide government votes.
The purchase drew mixed reactions from lawmakers and civil society groups, many of whom questioned the cost and timing.
Presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga defended the decision, stating that the jet would reduce maintenance and fuel expenses significantly compared to the aging Boeing 737 used by former President Muhammadu Buhari. With a range of up to 13 hours, the new jet can complete non-stop journeys to destinations like New York or Beijing—trips that previously required fuel stops.
While the Presidency did not disclose the exact repainting cost, industry estimates suggest such work on a wide-body jet typically ranges between $190,000 and $320,000. These figures depend on the complexity of the design and materials used. Nigeria’s relatively simple green-and-white scheme likely kept costs on the lower end of that range.
The A330 is now part of the Presidential Air Fleet, which includes around 11 aircraft. Until recently, the fleet also contained a Boeing 737-700 Business Jet, purchased in 2005 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. That aircraft has now been listed for sale in Switzerland by aviation firm JetHQ, although the company has not responded to inquiries about the sale price.
According to government officials, three of the seven fixed-wing aircraft in the fleet are currently not operational. The fleet also includes helicopters: two Agusta 139s and two Agusta 101s, managed by the Nigerian Air Force under the oversight of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Both the Tinubu and Buhari governments had previously announced plans to reduce the size of the fleet to save public funds. However, critics argue that the latest acquisition contradicts those efforts.
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