Abuja, June 10, 2026 – Abdul Samad Rabiu, the 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, according to a post on his Instagram page.
The deal was reportedly signed on 4December 2025 at BUA’s Dubai office after weeks of discreet negotiations, making Rabiu one of the early African owners of the ultra-long-range business jet, which can cost up to $85–95 million when fitted with bespoke interiors.
The Bombardier Global 8000 is an ultra-long-range private jet and the fastest civilian aircraft since the Concorde.
Capable of Mach 0.95 speeds and an 8,000-nautical-mile (14,800 km) range, it can carry up to 19 passengers.
The aircraft will join BUA’s corporate fleet, which already includes a Challenger 350 and a Global 6500, giving the conglomerate one of the most advanced private aviation fleets owned by any African business group.
Wealth surge and business expansion
Rabiu has enjoyed a strong financial run heading into 2026. At the time the Bombardier deal was signed in December, he had already overtaken both Mike Adenuga and Nassef Sawiris to move into fourth place among Africa’s richest individuals.
Rabiu oversees a diversified conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar refining, agriculture, and real estate.
His flagship asset, BUA Cement, has been a key driver of his wealth, with shares rising 135% over the past year, outperforming the Nigerian stock market, which gained 81% amid strong corporate earnings and increased pension fund participation in equities. (Business Insider Africa)
