The Boeing 737 jet, bought in 2005 during Obasanjo’s administration, is listed for sale in Switzerland.
The Federal Government has listed its 19-year-old Boeing 737-700 Business Jet (BBJ), acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, for sale through AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland.
The aircraft, originally bought for $43 million in 2005, was used by successive presidents until it was replaced in August 2024 by a refurbished Airbus A330-200 amid economic reforms.
According to aircraft marketplace Controller.com, the BBJ underwent maintenance and partial refurbishment last year, but high upkeep costs and safety concerns led to its retirement. “The BBJ became increasingly expensive to maintain,” a Presidency source said, referencing a mechanical incident during a 2024 Saudi Arabia trip.
Configured for 33 passengers and 8 crew, the aircraft features five seating zones, full-service galleys, four lavatories, and Ka-band Wi-Fi.
The presidential air fleet includes 10 aircraft, three of which are reportedly unserviceable. Officials say streamlining the fleet is part of broader cost-saving efforts.
Efforts to confirm the sale from the Presidency were unsuccessful at press time.