The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially listed a 20-year-old Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) from the presidential fleet for sale, following the acquisition of a brand-new Airbus A330 for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The A330 aircraft, reportedly purchased last year for $100 million (over ₦150 billion), sparked public backlash due to its high cost amidst ongoing economic challenges. Yet, the government has defended the decision, citing escalating maintenance costs of the aging fleet as the primary driver.
Aircraft Listed in Switzerland for Sale
The BBJ, originally acquired during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, is currently undergoing final inspection at AMAC Aerospace, Basel, Switzerland, and is now listed for sale on Controller, a global aircraft marketplace.
According to the listing, the aircraft features a 5-zone luxury seating layout, configured to carry 33 passengers and 8 crew members. The zones include:
- Zone 1: Crew rest area with two rest seats and two cabin attendant seats
- Zone 2: VIP stateroom with a bed, two-place divan, and private lavatory
- Zone 3: VIP lounge configured as a four-seat conference room
- Zone 4: Nine first-class forward-facing seats
- Zone 5: Eighteen forward-facing business-class seats
Fleet Upgrade Amid Mounting Maintenance Bills
The Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) currently consists of:
- One Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) (listed for sale)
- One Gulfstream G550 (14 years old, in good condition)
- One Gulfstream GV (24 years old, unserviceable)
- Two Dassault Falcon 7Xs (one serviceable, one unserviceable)
- One Challenger CL605 (13 years old, serviceable)
- Six helicopters
Sources indicate that the Tinubu administration is also considering disposing of a Gulfstream jet and one Falcon 7X as part of a broader fleet overhaul.
The BBJ, manufactured by Boeing, was first produced in 1998 with an initial base cost of $36 million. Today, the aircraft sells for $41 million used, or $71 million brand new, depending on usage and condition. It is expected to attract a resale value between $25 million and $41 million.
Why the BBJ Is Being Retired
Maintenance records show that the BBJ has become increasingly expensive to operate. Following a major overhaul shortly before the end of President Buhari’s tenure, the aircraft incurred additional scheduled and unscheduled maintenance costs under Tinubu’s administration.
Insiders disclosed that the BBJ has already accumulated over $5 million in maintenance costs in just one year; almost half of the $10 million debt reportedly inherited by the Presidential Fleet.
This led to the decision to acquire the newer Airbus A330, which promises better performance, more space, and lower maintenance costs over time.
What to Expect
Interested buyers are being directed to contact AMAC Aerospace for further information, including pricing and inspection details.
The move to sell off aging aircraft while introducing newer models reflects the presidency’s intent to modernize the fleet while reducing long-term maintenance burdens.
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