Nigeria’s newly acquired N150 billion presidential jet, an Airbus A330-200, has returned to Abuja following months of refurbishment in South Africa, where it was repainted in the country’s green and white livery.
The wide-body aircraft, now bearing tail number 5N-FGA, was spotted on Wednesday at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Photos posted by @Abuja_Aviation showed the jet with green-white-green stripes along its fuselage and the Nigerian Air Force crest near the cockpit.
A presidency official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the aircraft’s return after a livery change and minor interior touch-ups.
He said the plane would resume presidential duties after routine checks by the Nigerian Air Force’s Presidential Air Fleet. On Friday, footage from the State House showed President Bola Tinubu boarding the aircraft for an official trip to Kano.
The 15-year-old jet was purchased for $100 million (approximately N150 billion) in August 2024 and flown to South Africa earlier this year for repainting and minor refurbishment.
It replaces the aging Boeing 737 Business Jet used by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Fitted with a master bedroom, shower, conference room, and secure communications suite, the jet’s design is intended to reflect Nigeria’s presidential identity.
Aviation sources said the repaint was necessary to replace the commercial livery with Nigeria’s official VIP colours.
Experts estimate the cost of repainting a wide-body aircraft like the A330 ranges from $190,000 to $320,000. However, the Presidency said the repaint was part of the original purchase agreement and did not disclose exact figures.
Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, defended the purchase, saying the aircraft’s modern systems would reduce annual maintenance and fuel expenses by millions of dollars.
The jet’s 13-hour range enables non-stop flights to major destinations such as New York and Beijing, avoiding expensive refuelling stops.
Despite criticism from the public and some lawmakers over the cost of the jet, the government insists it is a long-term cost-saving measure.
Meanwhile, the older Boeing 737 has been listed for sale in Switzerland by a U.S.-based aviation brokerage firm.
Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet remains one of Africa’s largest, comprising about 11 aircraft, including Gulfstreams, Falcons, and Agusta helicopters. However, officials say efforts are underway to streamline the fleet for better cost-efficiency, with at least three jets currently unserviceable.