Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group and Africa’s second-richest individual, has taken delivery of a Bombardier Global 8000 private jet valued at approximately $81 million (about ₦110 billion), marking one of the first deliveries of the ultra-long-range aircraft to an African business leader. The acquisition completes a purchase agreement signed with Bombardier in Dubai in December 2025 and expands BUA Group’s corporate aviation fleet, which already includes a Challenger 350 and a Global 6500. Rabiu confirmed the delivery through a social media post, according to Billionaires Africa.
The Global 8000 is widely regarded as the world’s fastest purpose-built business jet, capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 0.95 and flying approximately 8,000 nautical miles nonstop. Bombardier says the aircraft can operate long-haul routes such as Lagos to New York without refuelling, making it particularly attractive to global executives and multinational corporations. The aircraft entered commercial service earlier this year following certification by aviation regulators in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
The delivery comes amid a period of significant expansion for BUA Group, which has interests spanning cement, foods, ports, mining, energy, and infrastructure. According to Billionaires Africa, the conglomerate is advancing several large-scale projects, including investments in port infrastructure, refining, and cement production capacity expansion. Forbes estimates Rabiu’s net worth at over $11 billion, driven largely by the strong performance of BUA Cement and other core assets within the group.
Beyond its symbolism as a luxury asset, the acquisition reflects the growing international footprint of African-owned conglomerates and their increasing demand for long-range business mobility. As Nigerian and African industrial groups expand across global markets, investments in strategic business aviation assets are becoming part of broader corporate growth strategies, enabling faster access to international partners, investors, and emerging opportunities across multiple continents.
