The marketing firm tasked with selling Nigeria’s presidential Boeing 737-700 Business Jet has removed the aircraft’s listing from its platform, casting new doubt on what will become of the ageing jet.
Delisting Confirmed
The jet — formerly listed on the marketing firm’s website — could no longer be located when reporters checked the site. In an email to The PUNCH, JetHQ’s Manager of Market Research, Laurie Barringer, confirmed the removal:
“We no longer have the listing on the Boeing. You will need to reach out to the Nigerian Government for information as to what has become of the aircraft.”
This directive effectively shifts responsibility to the government. A media aide to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Ismail Garba, had promised a response — but days later, no clarification has been issued.
From “Still Available” … to Delisted
Only a few months ago, the jet was still advertised for sale. In October 2025, JetHQ — through its Market Research Assistant, Marinell Nuevo — said the aircraft “remains available, according to Punch.” Yet the firm refused to supply further details, calling them proprietary.
At that time, the aircraft had already undergone maintenance and refurbishment at AMAC Aerospace’s Basel facility (July 2024), including upgraded first-class seats, new cabin carpeting, and completion of required C1–C2 inspections.
Background: Why the Jet Was Up for Sale
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-700 BBJ, was originally acquired in 2005 for about US $43 million under the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo.
Over nearly two decades, it served successive governments but was deemed increasingly expensive to maintain, especially in light of rising maintenance costs and safety concerns.
In 2024, the government — under president Bola Tinubu — acquired a refurbished Airbus A330-200 as the new presidential aircraft.
In July 2025, as part of a broader cost-cutting and fleet rationalisation initiative, the older Boeing BBJ was officially listed for sale via AMAC Aerospace/JetHQ.
Before the delisting, data from industry sources such as aircraftcostcalculator.com placed the average market value of a well-maintained pre-owned Boeing 737 BBJ at around US $56 million — though actual value depends heavily on configuration, maintenance history, and overall airworthiness.
What’s Unclear — and Why It Matters
With the removal of the listing and no public explanation from government officials, the current status of the jet is unknown. It could mean that:
the government has found a private buyer through a discreet, off-market deal;
the sale has been postponed or cancelled;
the jet will be retained for reserve or alternate use;
Whatever the case, the sudden delisting — without transparency — raises questions about accountability and whether the original goals of cost-saving and fleet rationalisation will be realised. Given that the jet was purchased and maintained with public funds, many stakeholders and citizens will find this lack of clarity concerning.
