The Federal Government has officially listed its two-decade-old Boeing 737‑700 Business Jet (BBJ) for sale via AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland.
Acquired in 2005 for $43 million during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, the jet has been grounded since President Bola Tinubu began using a refurbished Airbus A330‑200 last August amid growing economic and public scrutiny.
According to Punch, sources familiar with the aircraft’s listing on the US platform Controller.com revealed that the BBJ underwent inspections and partial refurbishment ahead of sale.
Health concerns over safety and repairs, particularly following a mechanical issue during an official trip to Saudi Arabia in April 2024, helped drive the decision.
Despite a partial retrofit in July 2024 that included new carpeting, upgraded first-class seating, and completion of C1–C2 inspections, the Presidency opted to retire the plane.
Configured for 33 passengers and eight crew, the BBJ features a five-zone layout: crew rest, VIP suite with lavatory, VIP lounge, first class, and business class.
Amenities include full galleys, four lavatories, Ka-Band Wi‑Fi, and multiple in-cabin entertainment screens. The aircraft underwent a $100m reconfiguration earlier this year and even received a fresh livery in South Africa.
However, both of its CFM56‑7BE engines remain “on condition,” not enrolled in any maintenance programme, leaving buyers to weigh upkeep costs carefully.
The sale aligns with a broader presidential aircraft rationalisation plan. The government recently acquired the A330‑200 (tail number 5N‑FGA) from a German bank, rebranded with Nigeria’s green-and-white livery, and has since flown it extensively.
A San Marino-registered BBJ (T7‑NAS) also joined the fleet earlier this year. Nigeria’s presidential fleet includes other jets (Gulfstreams, Falcons, a Hawker, and a Challenger) and helicopters, though not all are currently serviceable.
AMAC Aerospace is accepting offers confidentially. The aircraft listing includes full specifications, such as advanced avionics (Rockwell Collins, Honeywell systems) and compliance with ADS‑B, CPDLC, FANS‑1/A, and RVSM standards.