Amidst ongoing nationwide protests, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has put the country’s 19.1-year-old VIP-configured Boeing 737-700 (BBJ) up for sale.
The aircraft, registered as 5N-FGT, was recently transported from Abuja to Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg in Switzerland and is now listed for an undisclosed price.
The Boeing 737-700, which has served Nigeria’s presidential fleet since July 2005, is equipped with a VIP cabin layout that accommodates 41 passengers, including nine first-class and 18 business-class seats.
The jet features a stateroom with a shower and a VIP lounge. It recently underwent extensive maintenance and inspections by AMAC Aerospace in July 2024, reflecting its current operational status.
The sale of the presidential jet comes at a time of heightened public discontent and protests across Nigeria.
Demonstrations, driven by issues such as economic hardship and governance concerns, have been widespread.
In place of the Boeing 737-700, the Nigerian government has acquired an Airbus ACJ330-200, now registered as 5N-FGA.
The acquisition aligns with recommendations from the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, which cited the need for new aircraft due to the high maintenance costs of the existing fleet.
The Nigerian presidential fleet also includes a Gulfstream Aerospace G550, a Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7X jets, a Hawker 4000, and a Challenger 605.
However, three of these aircraft are reportedly unserviceable and are expected to be sold as part of the fleet upgrade process.
Leave a Reply