In a bold cost-saving move, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has officially placed multiple presidential aircraft on the global market, including Nigeria’s iconic Boeing 737 Business Jet, formerly the nation’s “Air Force One.”
The decision marks a major shift in how Nigeria manages its presidential air fleet, signaling a break from the past and a push toward leaner governance.
End of an Era: What’s Up for Sale
Boeing 737‑700 BBJ (2005)
This luxury aircraft served four Nigerian presidents — from Olusegun Obasanjo to Muhammadu Buhari — and once symbolized power and prestige. Featuring a five-zone interior complete with a private bedroom and conference suite, the aircraft is now listed in Basel, Switzerland with over 3,800 flight hours and 1,881 landings under its wings. It was last refurbished in mid-2024.
Two More Jets on the Chopping Block
Also heading for the auction block are a Gulfstream (G550 or GV) and a Dassault Falcon 7X, making it a three-jet downsizing mission from the current six-aircraft fleet.
Why Tinubu Is Trimming the Wings
The decision is grounded in economic reality.
Soaring maintenance bills, aging parts, and a mid-air technical scare in 2024 raised alarm bells. The presidential fleet, once seen as a symbol of Nigeria’s executive might, has become an expensive liability.
With President Tinubu now flying on a new Airbus A330-200, the older aircraft are simply no longer needed — and certainly no longer sustainable.
Inside the Deal: Who’s Handling It?
The sales are being coordinated by the Nigerian Air Force and the National Security Adviser’s Office, in collaboration with JetHQ, a U.S.-based aviation brokerage firm.
Aircraft inspections and due diligence are being carried out in Switzerland by AMAC Aerospace, with global buyers invited to submit competitive bids through official government channels.
What’s the End Game?
Revenue from the sales will be reinvested in acquiring a single, modern, and cost-efficient presidential aircraft, aligning with global best practices in executive transport. The move is expected to slash overhead costs while ensuring presidential travel remains secure and reliable.
Bottom Line:
The Tinubu administration is not just offloading old jets — it’s rewriting the rules on presidential luxury and fiscal discipline. By streamlining the skies above Aso Rock, Nigeria signals it’s ready to fly leaner, safer, and smarter.
