Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential aircraft has returned to Abuja after undergoing refurbishment and a full repaint in South Africa, marking its official transition into the Presidential Air Fleet.
The Airbus A330-200, valued at N150bn, was spotted on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, parked at the Presidential Wing. The aircraft, which now bears Nigeria’s official green and white livery, had been out of use for months while undergoing upgrades and repainting to reflect its new VIP status.
Images shared by aviation monitors showed the jet, with tail number 5N-FGA, gleaming in its fresh design featuring a green-white-green stripe and the Nigerian Air Force crest near the cockpit. The aircraft’s engines were capped, indicating it was not immediately being prepped for flight. However, ground personnel were seen conducting checks.
A presidency official confirmed the jet’s return, noting that the aircraft received “minor interior touch-ups” in addition to its exterior changes. It will officially resume presidential use after standard acceptance checks by the Nigerian Air Force’s Presidential Air Fleet.
The President used the aircraft on Friday for his trip to Kano State, marking its first deployment since the refitting. He is also expected to travel to Ogun State in the coming days for a condolence visit following the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
The aircraft was originally ferried to South Africa in early 2025 for livery change and cabin upgrades. Before its refurbishment, the jet carried commercial colours from its time with a leasing firm. Sources said the repaint was a requirement before it could be used for official state functions under the call-sign Eagle One.
Though the government has not disclosed the cost of the repainting, aviation estimates put the typical expense for such a wide-body job at around $190,000 to $320,000, depending on design complexity.
The Airbus A330, acquired in August 2024, is fitted with high-end features such as a master bedroom, shower, conference room and secure communications. With a 13-hour non-stop range, it offers significant savings in fuel and maintenance compared to the older presidential jet, a Boeing 737 Business Jet now being retired.
The 20-year-old Boeing aircraft, acquired in 2005, has been listed for sale in Switzerland by a US-based aviation brokerage firm. The aircraft had become increasingly costly to operate, prompting its replacement.
The Presidential Air Fleet currently comprises about 11 aircraft, though several are reportedly unserviceable. The Tinubu administration, like its predecessor, has promised to streamline the fleet to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
