Abdul Samad Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group and Africa’s third-richest man, announced earlier in June that he had taken delivery of a Bombardier Global 8000 private jet valued at about $81 million, according to a post on his Instagram page.
The deal was reportedly signed on 4 December 2025 at BUA’s Dubai office after weeks of negotiations, making Rabiu one of the early African owners of the ultra-long-range aircraft, which can cost up to $95 million with custom interiors.
Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier has confirmed that the aircraft is now in active service with Nigeria-based conglomerate BUA Group, describing the development as a defining moment for the Global 8000 programme and its expansion into new markets.
The Global 8000 is currently regarded as one of the world’s most advanced business jets, designed for ultra-long-haul travel with the ability to connect major global cities non-stop. Bombardier says the aircraft can link Lagos with destinations such as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Perth without refuelling, positioning it among the top-tier aircraft in executive aviation.
Rabiu, whose fortune is estimated at approximately $19 billion by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, has seen his wealth surge on the back of strong performances from BUA Cement and BUA Foods, cementing his position among Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
Aircraft Specifications
The Bombardier Global 8000 is Bombardier’s newest flagship private aircraft and one of the most advanced business jets ever built.
The cabin is designed for ultra-long-haul comfort, featuring up to four living spaces, sleeping areas for passengers, a full galley, and advanced connectivity systems.
It is designed to be both the fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet, with a maximum range of about 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 km). This allows nonstop intercontinental travel between major global city pairs such as Lagos–New York or Johannesburg–Washington, D.C.
The aircraft can fly at a top speed of Mach 0.94, making it the fastest civil aircraft since the retirement of the Concorde. It is also based on the proven Bombardier Global 7500, but with improved performance and range.
Inside, the cabin is designed for ultra-long-haul comfort, featuring up to four living spaces, sleeping areas for passengers, a full galley, and advanced connectivity systems. It is typically priced at around $80 million+, depending on customization.
The jet is aimed at ultra-high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and heads of state who require long-range, non-stop global travel with maximum speed and comfort.
A milestone for Africa’s ultra-long-range aviation market
Rabiu, whose fortune is estimated at approximately $19 billion by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, is widely ranked among Africa’s wealthiest individuals and consistently placed among the continent’s top three billionaires.
A recent surge in his net worth briefly pushed him ahead of South Africa’s Johann Rupert in Bloomberg’s real-time billionaire rankings, before market movements saw Rupert reclaim the second position in subsequent updates.
The acquisition adds to an expanding portfolio of high-value assets tied to his industrial empire. Through BUA Group, he has built a diversified conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, food processing, real estate and infrastructure development.
The delivery also reflects the growing appetite among African corporates and high-net-worth individuals for long-range private aviation, driven by expanding global business ties and the need for faster executive mobility across continents.
Industry analysts note that the introduction of the Global 8000 into Africa reflects both rising demand for premium aviation services and the continent’s deeper integration into global business networks.
While business aviation remains a niche sector across Africa, the arrival of ultra-long-range jets such as the Global 8000 signals a shift in how major African conglomerates are positioning themselves in international markets.
With this latest acquisition, BUA Group joins an exclusive global category of operators using next-generation aircraft designed for intercontinental reach and high-performance travel efficiency.
By Solomon Ekanem
