Nigeria’s newly refurbished presidential jet, a 15-year-old Airbus A330-200 valued at approximately N150 billion ($100 million), has returned to Abuja after undergoing extensive repainting and minor interior upgrades in South Africa.
The aircraft, now adorned with Nigeria’s green-white-green livery and bearing the tail number 5N-FGA, landed at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Wednesday, marking its readiness to resume official duties.
The jet, acquired in August 2024 to replace the aging Boeing 737 Business Jet used by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was spotted on Friday carrying President Bola Tinubu for an official visit to Kano State.
The Presidency also anticipates its use for upcoming trips, including a condolence visit to Ogun State following the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, on July 13, 2025.
According to presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Airbus A330-200, registered as VP-CAC (MSN 1053), is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior featuring a master bedroom, shower, conference room, and secure communications suite.
The aircraft’s 13-hour flight range enables non-stop travel from Abuja to global destinations like New York or Beijing, eliminating the costly fuel stops required by the older Boeing 737.
Onanuga emphasized that the refurbished jet will save Nigeria millions of dollars annually in maintenance and fuel costs, addressing the excessive expenses incurred by the outdated Presidential Air Fleet (PAF).
The refurbishment, which included a livery change to reflect Nigeria’s national colors and minor interior enhancements, was part of the original acquisition contract, though the exact cost of the repaint remains undisclosed.
Industry estimates suggest that repainting a wide-body aircraft like the A330 typically ranges between $190,000 and $320,000, with Nigeria’s simple green-and-white design likely falling at the lower end of this spectrum.
The jet’s return has reignited debates over the Tinubu administration’s spending priorities amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, including inflation exceeding 30% and widespread protests over rising living costs.
Critics, including opposition figures, have called the acquisition extravagant, arguing that the funds could have addressed pressing public needs.
However, Onanuga defended the purchase, stating, “It’s not President Tinubu’s plane; it belongs to the people of Nigeria.
The President did not buy a new jet; it’s a refurbished model, much newer than the one used by President Buhari, which was over 20 years old and prone to breakdowns.”
He further stressed the importance of ensuring the president’s safety, citing past incidents where technical faults in the older fleet forced the use of chartered aircraft.
The acquisition of the Airbus A330 followed recommendations from the Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee, which highlighted the safety risks and high maintenance costs of the aging PAF.
The Boeing 737-700, purchased in 2005 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has been listed for sale in Switzerland as part of efforts to streamline the fleet and reduce operational costs.
A presidency official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the jet’s return, stating, “The aircraft has undergone painting and minor touch-ups to the interior. It will resume service after standard acceptance checks by the Nigerian Air Force’s Presidential Air Fleet.”
Images shared on X by aviation enthusiasts showed the jet stationed at the Presidential Wing, with ground personnel attending to it, signaling its imminent return to active service.
As the Airbus A330 resumes its role as “Eagle One,” the Tinubu administration faces the challenge of balancing operational necessities with public expectations for fiscal restraint in a time of economic strain.
