Nigeria’s newly acquired N150 billion presidential jet has returned to the country, after undergoing extensive refurbishment and a complete livery change in South Africa. The Airbus A330, which cost approximately $100 million, now proudly sports Nigeria’s green and white national colors, reflecting its official status as part of the presidential air fleet. Its return marks a significant upgrade to the nation’s air transport capacity for the President, following public scrutiny over the acquisition and maintenance costs of older presidential aircraft.
The aircraft had been sent to South Africa specifically for this significant aesthetic and functional upgrade, ensuring it aligns with the visual identity of the Nigerian presidency. Sources close to the presidential fleet operations confirmed that beyond the exterior paint, the jet also underwent additional refurbishment, suggesting interior modifications to meet the specific requirements of presidential travel. This extensive work was crucial to integrating the new aircraft fully into the fleet and preparing it for official duties.
The acquisition of this new Airbus A330 follows concerns over the increasing maintenance costs and operational challenges associated with the older Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) that previously served as Nigeria’s ‘Air Force One’. The BBJ, acquired in 2005, had reportedly accumulated over $5 million in maintenance bills, prompting the government to consider a more modern and cost-efficient replacement. The older jet has since been put up for sale in Switzerland, signaling a strategic overhaul of the presidential air fleet.
While the new Airbus A330 is now physically in Nigeria, ready for deployment, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly been using a San Marino-registered BBJ (REG: T7-NAS) for official travels since February 2025. This temporary arrangement has allowed for the meticulous completion of the A330’s upgrades and livery change, ensuring it meets the highest standards before becoming the primary presidential aircraft.
