Nigeria has officially placed its 2005-vintage Boeing 737-700 Business Jet—used for nearly two decades to ferry presidents—on the market. The aircraft, purchased under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration for $43 million, is currently listed for sale in Switzerland by AMAC Aerospace in Basel.
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This move follows President Bola Tinubu’s decision last August to retire the aging jet in favor of a larger, refurbished Airbus A330‑200. The switch, prompted by escalating maintenance costs and public criticism over government expenditure during economic hardship, reflects shifting priorities in the presidential air fleet.
Though the Boeing jet underwent a partial interior makeover in July 2024—including first-class seating, carpeting, and C1-C2 maintenance checks—it reportedly suffered a major technical breakdown during an April 2024 visit to Saudi Arabia. Concerns around both operational safety and cost-efficiency became critical factors in the decision to sell.
This aircraft could accommodate 33 passengers and eight crew across five luxurious zones: crew rest, VIP suite with private bathroom, conference lounge, first-class, and business-class sections. It even features dual galleys, four lavatories, Ka-band Wi-Fi, a 32-inch bedroom monitor, and COM/NAV avionics meeting international standards.
Notably, its two CFM56-7BE engines are not covered under any maintenance program—operating solely “on condition,” making future upkeep increasingly costly. Interested buyers must contact AMAC Aerospace directly, as no–ask price has been disclosed. Nigeria’s presidential fleet, overseen by the Nigerian Air Force and the National Security Adviser, includes roughly ten aircraft: jets such as Gulfstreams, Falcons, a Hawker, a Challenger, and four helicopters. However, three of the fixed-wing jets are currently grounded.
Since February 2025, President Tinubu has been using a newly acquired, San Marino-registered Boeing BBJ (T7-NAS), while the Airbus A330-200 (5N-FGA)—purchased at around $100 million—was sent to South Africa for repainting in green-white-green livery and interior upgrades.
Both former President Buhari and current President Tinubu had pledged fleet streamlining. This sale—coupled with the grounding of older jets—reflects a growing commitment to fiscal prudence and operational safety during an era of increasing public scrutiny over government spending
