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    After Nearly Two Decades, FG Sells Obasanjo-Era Presidential Jet in Switzerland

    Federal Government of Nigeria has listed a Boeing 737‑700 Business Jet (BBJ) for sale, marking a significant move in the restructuring of the nation’s presidential air fleet. The aircraft, acquired in 2005 for $43 million during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is currently being marketed through AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland.

    Sources within the Presidency, cited by Vanguard, revealed that the aircraft has been in service for over 19 years and has become increasingly costly to maintain. Concerns over safety intensified following a mechanical incident that occurred during an official trip to Saudi Arabia in April 2024.

    The decision to sell comes months after President Bola Tinubu transitioned to a refurbished Airbus A330-200, signaling efforts to modernize and streamline the presidential fleet.

    The BBJ has undergone a full round of maintenance and inspection in readiness for its sale. It is one of approximately 10 aircraft in the presidential fleet managed by the Nigerian Air Force and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    The fleet includes a 13-year-old Gulfstream Aerospace G550, a Gulfstream G500, two Dassault Falcon 7Xs, a Hawker 4000, and a Challenger 605. However, three of these fixed-wing aircraft are reportedly unserviceable.

    The listing was also made available via a U.S.-based aircraft sales platform, underscoring the administration’s intent to attract international buyers.

    This sale reflects ongoing discussions around cost-efficiency and accountability in the management of government assets, particularly amid economic constraints and growing public interest in governance reform.

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