Behold The Billionaire Owners of Nigeria’s Private Jet Companies

Nigeria’s private aviation industry is no longer a quiet luxury reserved for a few insiders. It is now a fast-growing, relationship-driven business powered by financiers, pilots, oil magnates, and aviation entrepreneurs who are reshaping how the country’s elite move across Africa and beyond. Behind the sleek jets seen on Nigerian runways are individuals who have invested millions of dollars in aircraft, maintenance, safety systems, and regulatory compliance—building companies that serve business moguls, entertainers, athletes, politicians, and multinational executives. These owners are not just selling luxury; they are selling speed, discretion, access, and reliability in a country where commercial aviation can be limiting. With charter flights starting from about $3,000 and rising sharply depending on aircraft type and distance, private jet travel remains exclusive—but increasingly essential to Nigeria’s high-net-worth economy.

Over the last two decades, the sector has expanded dramatically. Industry data shows that Nigeria’s private business jet fleet grew from just 44 aircraft in 2005 to about 157 by 2024—an increase of over 350%. This growth mirrors rising wealth, regional business expansion, and the need for flexible travel that commercial airlines often cannot provide. At the heart of this transformation are the owners of Nigeria’s leading commercial private jet companies. 

Here are some of the key owners Driving Nigeria’s Commercial Private Jet Market.

Atedo Peterside – Founder, Anap Business Jets Limited

A respected investment banker and economist, Atedo Peterside brought financial discipline and innovation into private aviation with Anap Jets. Best known as the founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Peterside entered aviation to professionalise private flying through fractional ownership, jet cards, and aircraft management. Since launching operations in 2015, Anap Jets has built a fleet that includes Embraer Phenom 300s, Legacy 600s, and ERJ-145 aircraft, enabling regional and intercontinental flights to Europe, the Middle East, and South America. 

  Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich – Founder, Elin Group Limited

Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich stands out as one of Nigeria’s most prominent female aviation entrepreneurs. Through Elin Air, she has expanded private aviation beyond charter into advanced aircraft maintenance and overhaul. Her company made history by completing a 7,800-landings maintenance check on a Bombardier Challenger CL604 entirely in Nigeria—an achievement previously done only outside Africa—positioning Elin Air as a technical powerhouse in West African aviation. 

Captain Edward Boyo – CEO, Overland Airways / Landover

A veteran pilot with over three decades of experience, Captain Edward Boyo combines operational expertise with policy influence. As founder of Overland Airways and Managing Director of Landover Company Limited, he has played a central role in both scheduled and charter aviation in Nigeria. Beyond flying, Boyo is a thought leader—publisher of Aviation & Allied Business Africa, organiser of high-level aviation conferences, and a key figure in pilot training and aviation education. 

Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi – CEO, Nesto Aviation Services Limited

Oil and gas billionaire Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi brought aviation into his diversified Obijackson Group with the creation of Nesto Aviation Services (NestAv). NestAv supports VIP charter operations and critical offshore oil and gas logistics, providing both fixed-wing and rotary-wing services. The company plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s energy sector, where reliable air transport is essential. 

Captain Ahmed Borodo – CEO, Flybird Aviation

Founded in 2023, Flybird Aviation reflects a new generation of aviation entrepreneurship. Led by commercial pilot Captain Ahmed Borodo, the company focuses on aircraft management, charter services, and maintenance oversight. Flybird gained major regulatory milestones in 2025 with NCAA approvals for maintenance operations and UAV/drone services, expanding its footprint beyond manned aircraft into emerging aviation technologies. 

 Wisdom Ntoto – CEO, Jetlyfe Aviation Ltd

Wisdom Ntoto has positioned Jetlyfe Aviation at the intersection of private flying and lifestyle branding. Through the Jetlyfe platform, the company introduced jet-sharing and on-demand booking concepts aimed at reducing entry barriers to private aviation. Jetlyfe has also built a strong community presence through events like The Jet Gala and initiatives such as the Future Aviators programme, blending luxury with youth engagement and aviation advocacy. 

Samuel Salihu – CEO, Private Business Jet Charter

A seasoned corporate pilot turned entrepreneur, Samuel Salihu founded Private Business Jet Charter in 2020 after years flying for Bristow Helicopters, Air Peace, and Sky Jet Aviation. Operating from Abuja with additional bases in Lagos and Cotonou, PB Jet Charter offers a wide fleet selection—from Phenom 300s to Falcon 900DX jets—catering to clients who prioritise flexibility, discretion, and customised travel. 

A Business Built on Trust, Not Advertising Unlike commercial airlines, Nigeria’s private jet operators rely heavily on referrals, discretion, and long-term relationships. Advertising is minimal; reputation is everything. Every flight involves strict safety checks, experienced crews, and compliance with Nigerian and international aviation regulations. For these companies, trust is the real currency. As Nigeria’s economy continues to produce high-value individuals and cross-border business opportunities, private aviation is no longer a fringe luxury—it is a strategic tool. And the owners behind these jets are quietly shaping the future of elite mobility in Africa.