Nigeria’s New Presidential Jet Returns from South Africa Amid Cost-Cutting Debates

Nigeria’s latest addition to its presidential fleet, a refurbished Airbus A330-200, has returned to Abuja after undergoing a livery change and minor interior upgrades in South Africa. The jet, which arrived on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, is now painted in Nigeria’s distinctive green-white-green colours and bears the call-sign “Eagle One.” Its arrival marks a significant moment for the country’s Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) following months of anticipation and speculation.

The 15-year-old aircraft, purchased for $100 million (approximately ₦150 billion) in August 2024 from a European leasing company, replaces the ageing Boeing 737-700 BBJ that had served under former President Muhammadu Buhari. President Bola Tinubu reportedly boarded the Airbus for an official visit to Kano State on Friday, signifying the aircraft’s operational return.

State-of-the-Art Aircraft Begins Service

Images released by aviation enthusiasts and tracking platforms like @AbujaAviation showed the A330, bearing the tail number 5N-FGA, parked at the Presidential Wing of the airport. The fuselage now sports the Nigerian Air Force emblem and bold green-white-green stripes, indicating its new status as a VIP transport vehicle.

While the engines were capped—suggesting no immediate departure—the presence of ground personnel confirmed that post-maintenance inspections were underway. A presidency official, who requested anonymity, stated that the aircraft would resume active duty after completing standard acceptance checks conducted by the Nigerian Air Force.

According to the official, “Yes, they have returned the aircraft after the painting and minor touch-ups to the inside. It will resume service soon.”

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Comfort Meets Efficiency

The Airbus A330-200 is registered under the Nigerian Air Force’s 001 Squadron and features an upgraded VIP interior, including a master bedroom, shower facilities, a conference room, and a secure communication suite. The jet is also equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and has a flight range of 13 hours, enabling direct trips from Abuja to major global destinations such as New York and Beijing.

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga previously highlighted that the switch to the A330 would reduce Nigeria’s annual fuel and maintenance costs, which had surged under the outdated B737.

“The aircraft is spacious and fitted with a customised communication system. It is designed for long-haul efficiency and is more cost-effective in the long term,” Onanuga said.

Behind the Scenes: A Costly Transition

The aircraft was ferried to South Africa in May 2025 for extensive refurbishment. This included repainting the fuselage from its former commercial colours to Nigeria’s official VIP design, a standard requirement before it could serve as a presidential jet.

Industry insiders estimate the repainting alone could have cost between $175,000 and $200,000, though Nigeria’s simple two-tone design likely kept expenses toward the lower end. Additional interior refurbishments were reportedly minor, though details remain closely guarded.

During the three-month absence of the A330, President Tinubu relied on a San Marino–registered Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), T7-NAS, for both domestic and international engagements.

Retirement of the Boeing 737-700 BBJ

With the A330 now in service, the Presidency has confirmed that the ageing Boeing 737-700 BBJ, purchased in 2005 under President Olusegun Obasanjo for $43 million, will be retired. The jet has been listed for sale through JetHQ, a U.S.-based aircraft brokerage operating in Switzerland.

Though no asking price has been disclosed, the Presidency had earlier labeled the jet a “money guzzler,” citing unsustainable maintenance costs as the reason for its retirement. Inspections have already been completed ahead of the resale, but JetHQ has yet to provide public details about the transaction.

Fleet Size and Economic Scrutiny

Despite pledges by both the Buhari and Tinubu administrations to downsize the Presidential Air Fleet for economic reasons, the fleet remains one of Africa’s largest, with around 11 aircraft. These include a Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G500, two Dassault Falcon 7Xs, a Hawker 4000, and a Challenger 605.

However, at least three of these fixed-wing aircraft are reportedly unserviceable. The helicopter wing comprises two Agusta 139s and two Agusta 101 helicopters, all managed by the Nigerian Air Force under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

While the acquisition of the A330 is seen as a move toward efficiency and modernization, it has reignited debate over government spending amidst Nigeria’s pressing economic concerns. Critics argue that the timing of the high-value purchase contrasts with public austerity measures and ongoing hardship for millions of Nigerians.

As the A330-200 resumes operations as Eagle One, its performance and cost-effectiveness will be closely watched, both as a symbol of presidential mobility and as a test case in fiscal responsibility.