ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria is officially retiring its long-serving presidential jet — a Boeing 737 business aircraft originally purchased for $43 million in 2005 — and putting it up for sale through a Swiss aviation firm, marking the end of its nearly 20-year run at the heart of presidential travel.
The decision to sell the aging jet comes after years of rising maintenance costs, safety concerns, and growing public scrutiny over government spending, especially during Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
Why Is the Jet Being Sold?
The Boeing 737, which has transported multiple presidents including Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, was deemed no longer fit for duty. Officials say the aircraft had become too expensive to operate, citing outdated parts, lack of warranties on both engines, and recurring safety issues.
In April 2024, the jet suffered a mechanical failure mid-trip during a flight to Saudi Arabia, raising serious concerns about its airworthiness. Despite a partial interior refurbishment in July 2024, aviation authorities and top government officials agreed that continued use posed unnecessary risks.
Who’s Handling the Sale?
The jet is now being sold on Nigeria’s behalf by a Swiss company, though the Nigerian government has not disclosed the name of the firm. The aircraft was reportedly flown to Europe, where it is being listed and marketed to potential international buyers.
This strategic move helps distance the transaction from domestic politics while tapping into a broader market of wealthy private buyers or secondary government users.
A New Plane — But Confusion Remains
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not flown in the retired aircraft since August 2024, choosing instead to use newer planes. The government has already purchased a replacement aircraft — an Airbus A330-200 — for nearly $100 million.
However, that plane is also not yet in use. According to sources, it was recently sent to South Africa to be repainted in Nigeria’s national colors (green and white), after arriving in a neutral livery.
“The last I heard is that they took it abroad, I think to South Africa, to change the body design. You know it doesn’t have the green white green,” a source told The Punch.
In the meantime, President Tinubu has been flying on a leased or borrowed aircraft reportedly registered in San Marino, sparking public curiosity about the whereabouts of the newly acquired A330.
What Else Is in the Presidential Fleet?
Despite the retirement of the Boeing 737, Nigeria’s presidential air fleet remains substantial, comprising about 10 aircraft, including:
Luxury jets from Gulfstream, Falcon, and Hawker (three currently grounded) Four helicopters operated by the Nigerian Air Force
The large fleet has been a point of contention, with critics urging the government to downsize and streamline operations amid growing budget pressures and rising inflation.
Final Flight for a Presidential Icon
Selling the 737 marks a symbolic shift — not just from one aircraft to another, but from one era of governance to the next. As the jet heads for the open market in Europe, it leaves behind a legacy of high-level diplomacy, controversy, and evolving public expectations around leadership and spending.
Whether the $100 million replacement will deliver better value — or transparency — remains to be seen.
