The presidential jet, reportedly valued at N150 billion and primarily used for the official travels of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has returned to Nigeria after undergoing months-long maintenance and repairs in South Africa.
The aircraft, a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja earlier this week, following what the Presidency described as “a comprehensive and safety-critical overhaul” conducted by accredited aviation engineers in Johannesburg. The repair, which spanned over four months, was said to be necessary to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the presidential fleet.
In a statement released by the Presidency, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity emphasized that the maintenance was long overdue and in line with international aviation standards for VIP aircraft. “The aircraft underwent scheduled major servicing to address both mechanical and electronic systems. The process was transparent, supervised by experts, and undertaken to guarantee the safety of Mr. President and all official personnel,” the statement read.
The Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), which operates under the Nigerian Air Force, manages several aircraft for official state functions, but the BBJ is regarded as the flagship. Its temporary absence had raised questions among political observers and critics, particularly following reports of President Tinubu chartering private jets for international engagements in recent months.
Critics, including opposition figures and civic groups, have expressed concern over the cost implications of both the repairs and the use of chartered alternatives. Several voices have called for a review of Nigeria’s presidential fleet spending amidst growing economic pressures and subsidy reforms that have led to rising living costs for citizens.
However, the Presidency maintained that the expenditure was justified given the strategic importance of the aircraft to national security and diplomatic engagements. “It is imperative that the President travels with a secure, reliable, and well-equipped aircraft. The repair project was handled prudently, with the utmost priority placed on value-for-money, safety, and accountability,” the statement added.
Aviation insiders familiar with the repair process revealed that the aircraft underwent avionics upgrades, cabin refurbishment, and engine checks, which are typically required every few years depending on flying hours and operational wear.
The return of the jet marks a resumption of full capacity for the Presidential Air Fleet, allowing President Tinubu to undertake upcoming international and domestic engagements without the need for outsourced transportation.
The Federal Government has not disclosed the full breakdown of the repair costs, but sources within the aviation ministry suggested that the figure remains within the budgetary provisions approved for the maintenance of the presidential fleet in the 2025 national budget.
As the jet returns to active service, public discourse continues around the transparency of such high-profile government expenditures, with many urging for greater accountability and prioritization of public needs in an economy still recovering from inflation and subsidy-related shocks.