Presidential Jet of ₦150bn Returns to Nigeria After Overhaul in South Africa

Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential jet, valued at ₦150 billion, has returned to the country after spending several months in South Africa for a complete repaint in the national green and white colours.

The Airbus A330-200 was seen at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday. Photos shared online showed the twin-engine aircraft, with tail number 5N-FGA, parked at the Presidential Wing of the airport.

The aircraft now sports a predominantly white exterior with green stripes running the length of the fuselage, along with the Nigerian Air Force crest displayed near the cockpit windows on both sides. Bright red covers were placed over both engine intakes, suggesting the jet was not being prepared for immediate departure at the time. A built-in stairway was extended from the forward door, although no passengers were visible. Some ground staff were spotted near the front of the aircraft.

A senior government official confirmed the aircraft’s return, stating that the repainting and minor interior updates had been completed. The jet, he added, would resume service following standard checks by the Nigerian Air Force’s Presidential Air Fleet.

Though the official didn’t specify when the aircraft would next be used, video footage later showed President Bola Tinubu boarding it for an official visit to Kano State. He is also scheduled to visit Ogun State in the coming days to offer condolences to the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 after a reign of 65 years.

In May 2025, it was disclosed that the presidential aircraft had been sent to South Africa for repainting and refurbishment, less than a year after its acquisition in August 2024 from a European leasing company. At that point, the plane had already been grounded for about three months.

Since February 2025, the President had been using a San Marino–registered Boeing Business Jet (T7-NAS) for both domestic and international travel. According to sources familiar with the matter, the A330 had to be flown abroad to receive its official Nigerian livery. Some also noted that the refurbishment involved more than just repainting, including updates to the interior.

The aircraft had originally been painted in commercial colours and needed to be rebranded to reflect its official status, including the addition of Nigeria’s presidential insignia. Registered in Nigeria as 5N-FGA and operated by the Air Force’s 001 Squadron, the Airbus features a master bedroom, shower, conference room, and secure communication facilities.

The plane was purchased for $100 million (₦150 billion) from the government’s service-wide vote. This acquisition faced criticism from members of the public and lawmakers who questioned the timing and cost. Despite being 15 years old, the aircraft—an ACJ330-200, previously registered as VP-CAC—is described as having advanced avionics, a custom interior, and long-range capability.

Experts say the jet’s 13-hour flight range makes it suitable for direct travel from Abuja to cities like New York or Beijing, eliminating the need for fuel stops that were often required with older aircraft like the Boeing 737 Business Jet used by the previous administration.

Although the exact cost of the repaint was not disclosed, it was reportedly included in the original acquisition deal. Aviation industry estimates suggest a full repaint for a wide-body aircraft like the A330 ranges from $190,000 to $320,000, depending on the complexity of the design. The Nigerian livery, consisting of mostly white with minimal green accents and official crests, likely placed the cost at the lower end of that range.

The Airbus A330 is part of Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet, considered one of the largest in Africa, comprising around 11 aircraft. Until recently, this included a Boeing 737-700 acquired in 2005 for $43 million under a former administration. That aircraft is now listed for sale in Switzerland by a U.S.-based aviation brokerage firm, which stated that it had undergone inspections and maintenance. As of this writing, the firm has not responded to inquiries about its asking price.

The aging Boeing jet, according to government sources, had become increasingly expensive to maintain.

The fleet also includes a 13-year-old Gulfstream G550, a Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7Xs, a Hawker 4000, and a Challenger 605. Of these seven fixed-wing aircraft, three are said to be unserviceable.

In addition, the rotor-wing section of the fleet consists of two Agusta 139 helicopters and two Agusta 101s, all operated by the Nigerian Air Force under the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Both the current and previous administrations had previously pledged to reduce the size of the fleet in a bid to cut costs.