Nigeria’s Federal Government has put its 20-year-old Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), previously used for presidential travel, up for sale in Switzerland.
This move follows the recent acquisition of a new Airbus A330 to replace the older aircraft.
The Boeing 737-700 BBJ, originally bought in 2005 during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, is currently undergoing inspections at AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland.
Details of the listing are publicly available on Controller, a global platform for aircraft sales.
This particular Boeing jet has served as the primary presidential aircraft for several Nigerian administrations.
The decision to sell comes amid persistent public scrutiny over government spending and demands for increased transparency in managing the presidential air fleet.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga previously defended the purchase of the new Airbus ACJ330-200, citing the rising maintenance costs and reliability issues associated with the aging Boeing.
Onanuga confirmed last year that the older BBJ had become “increasingly expensive to maintain” and experienced a “malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia.”
He also stated that the Airbus was delivered in July 2024 and is now the official presidential jet.
The 2005-built Boeing aircraft has accumulated approximately 3,821 flight hours and 1,881 landings. It features a five-zone interior layout designed to accommodate 33 passengers and eight crew members, including a private bedroom with an en-suite shower, a VIP office, a conference area, and business-class seating.
The jet is equipped with modern avionics such as Ka-band Wi-Fi, ADS-B Out, and FANS 1/A.
The BBJ underwent a partial interior refurbishment in July 2024, which included carpet replacement and a full upgrade of its first-class seats, alongside completed C1-C2 inspections.
However, it’s notable that the aircraft is not covered by any engine maintenance program, with both CFM56-7BE engines operating “on condition,” meaning their performance is not under guaranteed coverage.
Neither AMAC Aerospace nor the Nigerian government has publicly disclosed the exact asking price for the aircraft.
The acquisition of the new Airbus jet last year sparked controversy due to reports suggesting a cost of over ₦150 billion.
Civil society groups and the public widely questioned the timing and expense, given the prevailing economic challenges in the country.
The sale of the Boeing aircraft is seen as part of a broader effort to streamline the presidential fleet and address concerns regarding cost-efficiency and safety.
As of this report, the aircraft remains listed for sale, with no official buyer announced.
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