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.
Strengthening global business operations
For Rabiu, whose business empire spans cement manufacturing, food processing, agriculture, infrastructure, real estate, ports, and energy, the acquisition is expected to enhance executive mobility across key markets in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Private aviation plays a critical role in supporting the operations of large multinational businesses by enabling executives to move efficiently between production sites, investment locations, and strategic meetings across different time zones.
The Global 8000’s long-range capability significantly reduces travel time by eliminating the need for layovers on intercontinental routes. Industry publication Robb Report recently noted that the aircraft completed a test flight between Montreal and Nice in just over six hours, highlighting its speed and efficiency compared with conventional commercial aircraft.
Beyond performance, the aircraft has been designed to improve passenger comfort on long-haul flights. It can accommodate up to 19 passengers and features advanced air filtration systems, reduced cabin altitude, reclining seating arrangements, and circadian-rhythm lighting technology designed to minimize fatigue during extended travel.
Wealth surge fuels expansion
The acquisition comes amid a remarkable rise in Rabiu’s personal fortune and the growing strength of his business interests.
At the time the Bombardier deal was signed in December 2025, Rabiu had already surpassed telecoms billionaire Mike Adenuga and Egyptian industrialist Nassef Sawiris to become one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
By 2026, his net worth had increased to an estimated $11.2 billion, representing a gain of $6.1 billion from the previous year and one of the largest increases recorded among African billionaires.
Much of that growth has been driven by the performance of BUA Cement, the flagship listed company within the BUA Group. The company’s shares gained approximately 135 percent over the past year, significantly outperforming the broader Nigerian stock market, which benefited from stronger corporate earnings and increased pension fund participation in equities.
The group’s food business has also maintained strong profitability despite macroeconomic pressures. According to unaudited first-quarter 2026 results, BUA Foods reported profit after tax of N142.32 billion, up from N125.28 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.
Although revenue declined by 11 percent to N394.6 billion due to moderated pricing, easing inflation, and a more stable foreign exchange environment, the company continued to deliver robust earnings growth.
BusinessDay earlier reported that the chairman took home a mind-boggling N189.74 billion from his personal stake in the company after the shareholders officially approved the company’s financial rewards for the year ended December 2025.
