The Federal Government has officially listed one of its presidential aircraft—a 2005 Boeing 737 Business Jet—for sale, in a move to cut down on the cost of maintaining the presidential air fleet.
The aircraft, which has served the presidency for over 19 years, was listed by AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland. The listing also appears on a US-based aircraft sales platform, The Controller. The decision comes amid rising concerns over safety and maintenance costs, especially after a mechanical fault disrupted a presidential trip to Saudi Arabia in April this year.
The jet, identified by tail number 5N-FGT, was originally acquired during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration for $43 million. Though it was partially refurbished in July 2024—including upgrades to its VIP interior—it has now been deemed surplus to requirements.
This development follows the arrival of a newer, refurbished Airbus A330-200, which President Bola Tinubu has adopted as the new official aircraft. That plane, reportedly bought for $100 million from a German bank’s repossessed asset portfolio, underwent modifications in France and South Africa before entering service.
Currently, President Tinubu is said to be using a San Marino-registered Boeing Business Jet while the Airbus is being prepped with a new livery and further customizations.
The Nigerian presidential fleet, managed by the Nigerian Air Force and the Office of the National Security Adviser, has faced repeated calls for downsizing. Of the approximately ten aircraft in the fleet, including Gulfstreams, Falcons, and helicopters, at least three are said to be unserviceable.
The 737 BBJ on sale features a 33-passenger configuration, luxurious VIP and first-class areas, modern communication systems, Ka-Band Wi-Fi, and intercontinental flight capability thanks to auxiliary fuel tanks. However, its engines are “on condition” and not enrolled in any maintenance program—a potential consideration for buyers.
The aircraft is still wearing its original 2005 white-and-green exterior and is currently undergoing maintenance checks in Switzerland. Interested buyers have been asked to contact AMAC Aerospace for pricing and negotiations.
The move aligns with earlier pledges by both the Buhari and Tinubu administrations to reduce the cost of governance by streamlining the presidential fleet.
