A U.S. aviation company contracted to sell Nigeria’s presidential jet has withdrawn the aircraft from the global market after raising concerns over unmet pre-sale conditions, sources confirmed on Wednesday.
The jet had been listed for sale as part of a broader effort by the federal government to liquidate surplus assets and cut maintenance costs. However, the American firm — whose identity remains undisclosed — told Nigerian authorities that “key repair and documentation conditions were not satisfied,” making the transaction unviable.
The firm’s withdrawal has sparked frustration among officials, who say the move undermines efforts to raise foreign exchange. A senior government source described the turn of events as “a major setback for fiscal prudence and transparency.”
Opposition lawmakers and civil-society advocates criticised the development, warning it may reflect deeper mismanagement. “Failed deals like this only deepen public distrust,” one critic said.
The presidential jet has remained grounded for over two years, with mounting maintenance bills. The government had hoped to recoup part of the cost by selling it, but now faces renewed questions about its fleet’s upkeep and asset-management strategy.
