In the past two decades, Nigeria’s skyline has become an unexpected stage for a drastic rise in private aviation.
What was once a rare symbol of elite mobility has grown into a fleet of well over a hundred business jets crisscrossing domestic and international routes.
According to industry figures, the number of private business aircraft operating in the country climbed from just 44 in 2005 to 157 by 2024, a surge of more than 350% that reflects both expanding wealth and shifting travel habits among the nation’s affluent.
Flying a private jet is not just about convenience; it’s about connecting business faster, offering access where commercial airlines cannot, flexibility, and providing a level of service that combines luxury, reliability, and exclusivity.
These jets allow business moguls, musicians, athletes, and other high-net-worth individuals to move quickly, either for work or leisure.
Flying a private jet is costly; flights start at around $3,000 and above, depending on the aircraft, distance, and level of luxury, making these jets accessible to only a select group of Nigeria’s economic elite.
The private jet business in Nigeria is built on relationships, trust, and discretion. Most clients come through referrals, with operators rarely advertising broadly.
Every flight is a careful balance of strict safety standards, experienced crews, and regulatory compliance from air operator certificates to international operational approvals.
This article explores the individuals driving Nigeria’s private jet market, investing heavily in one of the most elite forms of personal transport.
Here are the owners of commercial private jet companies in Nigeria
Atedo Peterside is a Nigerian entrepreneur, investment banker and economist best known as the founder and chairman of Anap Business Jets Limited (Anap Jets), a private jet operator that specialises in fractional ownership, charter services and aircraft management.
He is also the founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s most influential financial institutions, where he served as CEO and later chairman.
Peterside’s academic journey began at King’s College Lagos, after which he earned a B.Sc in Economics from The City University, London and an M.Sc in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He also completed executive education at Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program.
His early career took shape in finance and investment banking. At age 33, Peterside founded Investment Banking & Trust Company (IBTC) in 1989, serving as its pioneer CEO. Under his leadership, IBTC navigated regulatory changes and capital expansion, merging with Chartered Bank and Regent Bank to become a universal bank in 2005. The institution later merged with Stanbic Bank Nigeria to form Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, where Peterside served as chairman until 2017.
Peterside entered aviation with a vision to make private flying more accessible and efficient in Africa. He founded Anap Jets FZE, which began operations through Anap Business Jets Limited on 1 January 2015. The company introduced innovative solutions like fractional ownership and Legacy Jet Card plans, allowing clients to enjoy the benefits of private jet access without shouldering full ownership burdens.
Since its launch, Anap Jets has grown both in fleet size and service capability. The company’s fleet includes industry‑leading aircraft such as the Embraer Phenom 300, Legacy 600 and Embraer ERJ‑145MP, enabling services from regional travel within Africa to intercontinental flights to Europe, the Middle East and South America. It marked a significant expansion in 2021 with the acquisition of an Embraer ERJ‑145, broadening its charter and fractional ownership offerings.
Great Job.
The Aviation sector in very important for economy growth and among the few internationally regulated sectors.
We need to focus on how well to serve both the indigenous and foreign own private jets companies/owners as they are among the 1% world elite that their influence shape how a country or it people are viewed.
Airport is a gate way what this 1% experience is how they perceived and report above the people of the host nation.
We can serve better.