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
Samuel Salihu is a Nigerian corporate pilot, aircraft broker and aviation entrepreneur with over 15 years of flying experience. He trained as a pilot in South Africa and has built his career around both the technical and business sides of aviation.
Salihu is the founder and CEO of Private Business Jet Charter, the aviation services arm of Kosdor Exporters International Limited that provides bespoke private jet travel solutions within Nigeria and beyond.
Salihu began his flying career in operational cockpit roles. He has served as Senior First Officer with Bristow Helicopters (International) Limited, adding rotary‑wing experience to his fixed‑wing expertise, and previously flew as First Officer with Air Peace Limited and Sky Jet Aviation, including on Embraer ERJ‑135/145 aircraft.
In June 2020, he founded Private Business Jet Charter, building a service that combines his passion for flying with aviation entrepreneurship. Salihu also collaborates with government bodies, airlines and aviation agencies to ensure PB Jet Charter operates to international standards.
PB Jet Charter markets a range of bespoke aviation services out of its headquarters at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with additional operations in Lagos and an international branch in Cotonou, Benin.
PB Jet Charter caters to clients seeking flexible scheduling, discrete travel and tailored aviation solutions, enabling travellers to set their own departure times, select preferred airports and access on‑demand flights without the hassles of commercial airline processes.
PB Jet Charter’s fleet includes a mix of luxury business jets commonly used in private charter environments, such as Legacy 600/650, Hawker Beechcraft 800XP, Bombardier Challenger 604/605, Falcon 900DX, Embraer 135 and Phenom 300 aircraft, providing a broad range of options for domestic and international charter clients.
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.