US company withdraws Nigeria’s presidential jet from sale

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A United States aircraft marketing company has removed Nigeria’s presidential Boeing 737-700 Business Jet from its sales platform, raising fresh questions about the status of the aircraft earlier put up for disposal by the Federal Government.

Checks by  our correspondents on the firm’s website showed that the listing, which had been available for months, has now been completely taken down.

The aircraft’s profile, photos, and specifications that once appeared on the platform were no longer accessible as of the latest review.

Confirmation of the development came through an email from the company’s Manager of Market Research, Laurie Barringer, who stated that the firm “no longer has the listing on the Boeing,” adding that further enquiries should be directed to the Nigerian government.

However, no additional details were provided regarding the circumstances surrounding the delisting.

At that time, the aircraft was confirmed to still be on the market, with representatives indicating that the jet remained available.

However, the listing company declined to disclose deeper information, citing proprietary restrictions that prevented them from sharing anything beyond the aircraft’s availability.

“We do not provide this kind of information to anyone but the direct owner of the aircraft. This is considered proprietary information. I hope you can understand.

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“The only data that we can provide you is that the aircraft remains available for sale,” the company’s Market Research Assistant said.

Before it disappeared from the platform, records showed that the presidential jet had gone through a round of refurbishment and technical checks at a Basel facility in July 2024.

The work included upgrades to first-class seating, replacement of cabin carpets, and completion of major C1 and C2 maintenance inspections.

Aviation experts estimate that a pre-owned Boeing 737 BBJ of similar configuration holds a market value of around $56 million, depending on usage history and maintenance documentation.

The aircraft, purchased in 2005 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for roughly $43 million, has remained part of the Presidential Air Fleet for nearly two decades.

In July 2025, President Bola Tinubu’s administration announced plans to sell the jet as part of a broader strategy to cut costs and streamline the fleet, which had faced persistent public criticism over maintenance expenses.

As of press time, officials connected to the Office of the National Security Adviser, which oversees the Presidential Air Fleet have not issued any clarification on why the aircraft was delisted or whether the government has taken a new decision concerning its sale.

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