LagosExplorer reports that the Nigerian government has placed its 20‑year‑old Boeing 737‑700 Business Jet, originally acquired during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in 2005, on sale in Switzerland.
The move comes after President Bola Tinubu upgraded to a refurbished Airbus A330‑200 last year, aiming to reduce mounting maintenance bills and demonstrate fiscal prudence amid economic scrutiny.
The Boeing BBJ has been listed through AMAC Aerospace in Basel, where it is undergoing inspections and preparatory work ahead of sale. Fitted with a luxurious five‑zone cabin accommodating 33 passengers and eight crew, the jet includes amenities such as a private bedroom, shower, VIP lounge, conference area, and business‑class seating. Despite its comfort and capabilities, the aircraft had become increasingly expensive to maintain, racking up millions in upkeep costs annually and suffering reliability issues during official trips.
Nigeria's Presidential Air Fleet once included several high-end aircraft—from Gulfstreams to Falcons—but with the acquisition of the newer Airbus, the administration has opted to streamline the fleet. Proceeds from selling the BBJ, and potentially other older jets, are intended to fund ongoing fleet optimization and the purchase of more cost‑effective replacements. The decision aligns with Tinubu’s broader policy to cut unnecessary government expenditure while ensuring essential assets remain functional, secure, and in service to the nation.
By offering the old jet for sale abroad, the government signals its intent to address maintenance inefficiencies and prioritize transparency in its aviation operations. As the sale progresses, it represents a step toward reshaping Nigeria's VIP transport system with an eye on value, safety, and accountability.