Abdul Samad Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group and Africa’s second-richest man, has taken delivery of a Bombardier Global 8000 private jet valued at approximately $81 million, further expanding the corporate aviation fleet of one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates.
Rabiu confirmed the arrival of the aircraft on Tuesday through a post on his official Instagram account, writing: “Alhamdu Lillah. A new addition. Global 8000.”
The delivery follows a purchase agreement reportedly signed on December 4, 2025, at BUA Group’s Dubai office after weeks of negotiations with executives from Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier. The acquisition places Rabiu among the early African owners of the ultra-long-range business jet, which can cost between $85 million and $95 million when customised with bespoke interiors.
The Bombardier Global 8000 is regarded as one of the most advanced business jets in the world and is positioned as the fastest civilian aircraft since the Concorde. Capable of speeds of up to Mach 0.95 and offering a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 kilometres), the aircraft can connect destinations such as Lagos and New York or Dubai and Houston without refuelling.
The aircraft joins BUA Group’s existing executive fleet, which includes a Challenger 350 and a Global 6500, giving the conglomerate one of the most sophisticated private aviation portfolios owned by any African business group.
