Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sale of a 20-year-old aircraft from Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), in what officials describe as part of a broader move to cut government expenditure and reduce the size of the fleet.
According to sources within the Presidency, the jet, believed to be either a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) or a Gulfstream V, has been stationed in Switzerland for maintenance and storage. The aircraft is now being prepared for sale through a Swiss-based aviation broker that specializes in private and government jet sales.
The decision follows growing public concern over the cost of maintaining Nigeria’s expansive presidential fleet, which currently consists of at least 10 aircraft. The aging aircraft was originally acquired in the early 2000s and is said to require increasingly expensive maintenance, making it less viable for continued use.
A senior government official, who asked not to be named, confirmed the sale:
“The President is committed to reducing the cost of governance. Selling this old aircraft is one step toward achieving that.”
This development is in line with earlier recommendations by the National Assembly, which in March 2024 called for a review and possible reduction of the fleet to save costs amid Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions.
Switzerland was chosen for the sale due to its mature private jet market and the presence of experienced international aircraft dealers. The final sale price is yet to be disclosed, but aviation experts estimate that a 20-year-old jet of its class could fetch between $8 million and $20 million, depending on its condition.
Reactions from the public and economic analysts have been mixed. While many have praised the move as a sign of fiscal discipline, others have called for deeper reforms to address systemic economic issues.
“This move is mostly symbolic,” said Dr. Uche Adebayo, an economist based in Lagos. “But it sends the right message that the era of unchecked luxury at public expense should end.”
The Presidency has not ruled out selling more aircraft from the fleet in the coming months.
