It is now common to see Nigerian elites, celebrities, and politicians travelling on commercial private jets as casually as everyday commuters use public transport.
Flying private offers speed, flexibility, and access to destinations commercial airlines cannot serve, and as a result, business leaders, entertainers, athletes, and government officials increasingly rely on private jets for both work and leisure.
Industry data shows that Nigeria’s private jet fleet grew from just 44 aircraft in 2005 to 157 by 2024, a surge of over 350 per cent, and this number reflects rising wealth, faster business demands, and changing travel habits. 
With charter flights starting from around $3,000, private aviation remains accessible only to Nigeria’s economic elite.
So, who are the faces behind Nigeria’s private jet boom, and who is driving this billion-dollar industry? Here are the people behind it.
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Meet the Owners of Commercial Private Jet Companies in Nigeria
1. Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich – Founder, Elin Group Limited
Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich is the founder and CEO of Elin Group Limited and Elin Air. She holds a degree in banking and finance and has completed executive programmes at Harvard University.
Elin Air provides private jet charter, aircraft maintenance, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services in collaboration with global manufacturers.
2. Captain Edward Boyo – CEO, Landover/Overland Airways
Captain Edward Boyo is the founder of Overland Airways and managing director of Landover Company Limited. With over 30 years of experience, he remains an active pilot and aviation educator.
Beyond airline operations, Boyo leads aviation training institutions, publishes Africa’s leading aviation journal, and plays an advisory role in shaping Nigeria’s aviation policies.
3. Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi – CEO, Nesto Aviation
Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi is the founder of Nestoil Group and the CEO of Nesto Aviation Services Limited. He holds degrees in accounting and business administration and has built one of Nigeria’s largest indigenous industrial groups.
Nesto Aviation was established in 2013; it provides fixed-wing and rotary-wing charter services and supports offshore oil and gas logistics across Nigeria and beyond.
4. Captain Ahmed Borodo – CEO, Flybird Aviation
Captain Ahmed Borodo is a commercial pilot and founder of Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited. He previously flew with Virgin Nigeria, Gyro Air, and Azman Air Services.
Flybird was founded in 2023 and offers aircraft management, charter services, crew support, and maintenance oversight.
5. Wisdom Ntoto – CEO, Jetlyfe Aviation
Wisdom Eseme Ntoto is the CEO of Jetlyfe Aviation Ltd, a company blending private jet charter with digital innovation. Jetlyfe also launched the “Future Aviators” programme to inspire young Nigerians to pursue aviation careers.
6. Samuel Salihu – CEO, Private Business Jet Charter
Samuel Salihu is a trained corporate pilot and aviation entrepreneur with over 15 years of flying experience.
In 2020, he founded Private Business Jet Charter, operating from Abuja with additional bases in Lagos and Cotonou. The company offers bespoke charter services with flexible scheduling and discreet travel options.
Its fleet includes aircraft such as the Legacy 600, Challenger 605, Falcon 900DX, and Phenom 300.
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7. Atedo Peterside – Founder, Anap Business Jets
Atedo Peterside is the founder and chairman of Anap Business Jets Limited. He is also the founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank and a respected economist and investment banker.
Peterside launched Anap Jets in 2015, and the company’s fleet includes aircraft such as the Phenom 300, Legacy 600, and Embraer ERJ-145.
Since its launch, Anap Jets has expanded its services to cover regional and intercontinental routes across Africa, Europe, and South America.
8. Sam Iwuajoku – Founder, Quits Aviation Services
Sam Iwuajoku is the founder and CEO of Quits Aviation Services. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from the University of California.
His aviation journey began with the purchase of a Hawker 800 business jet in the late 1990s. In 2008, he founded Quits Aviation Services and later partnered with the global ExecuJet group to build Nigeria’s leading general aviation facility.
9. Chukwuerika Achum – Founder, Falcon Aerospace Limited
Chukwuerika Achum is the founder and CEO of Falcon Aerospace Limited, the parent company of VivaJets, CharterXE, and FlyPJX. He holds a master’s degree in aviation management and trained in aviation safety management in the United States.
Through VivaJets, the company offers aircraft management and charter services, while CharterXE provides digital booking solutions.
10. Segun Demuren – Founder, EAN Aviation / EAN Aero Fleet
Segun Demuren is the founder and CEO of Evergreen Apple Nigeria Ltd, now known as EAN Aviation and EAN Aero Fleet.
He holds a degree in information systems from Marist University in the United States and completed advanced aviation management programmes in Singapore and Lagos.
He founded the company in 2009, and EAN launched Nigeria’s first fixed-base operator (FBO) near Murtala Muhammed International Airport, offering VIP lounges, hangar services, and executive flight support.
11. Yemi MacGregor – Stargate Jets Services Limited
Yemi MacGregor is the founder and CEO of Stargate Jets Services Limited, a Lagos-based business aviation company offering private jet charter and aviation support services across Nigeria and international routes.
He holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Lagos and founded Stargate Jets in February 2013.
The company manages a diverse fleet that includes the Legacy 600, Falcon 900DX, Embraer ERJ-135, Hawker 800XP, and Challenger 605.
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