If you ‘live’ on Instagram, you already know the drill. A Nigerian celeb drops a photo or video on the ‘gram with their squad, boarding steps into a shiny white private jet. Champagne, shades, LV bags in the shot. They also include captions to boast. The comments section also goes on fire either hailing responses from fans.
But here’s the truth, in most cases, that private jet isn’t theirs. Many of our celebs don’t actually own the planes they’re flexing in. What we’re seeing is either a charter jet, borrowed jet, or in Davido’s case, his father’s company jet.
Now, does that mean they’re faking? Not exactly. Private jet chartering is a whole industry and for busy celebs, it makes sense. But the obsession with looking like an owner is the interesting part. Let’s break it down.
Private Jets: Flex vs. Reality
First things first, owning a private jet is insanely expensive. We’re talking about $2 million on the low end, and up to $50 million depending on the aircraft. And that’s before fuel, pilots, hangar fees, crew salaries, and maintenance. Operating costs alone can hit hundreds of thousands of dollars every year.
That’s why, according to aviation insiders, most Nigerian entertainers don’t actually own jets. One aviation businessman even went on social media to say: “Nobody owns a jet in the Nigerian music industry.” Celebs charter jets, rent them short-term, or in some cases, borrow from family or rich friends.
Meanwhile, the real owners of jets in Nigeria are billionaires, tycoons, oil magnates, airline founders, and some pastors. People like Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, and Allen Onyema (Air Peace boss) are confirmed owners. These guys keep their planes in hangars year-round.
So when celebs are seen on jets, it’s usually about perception and convenience rather than true ownership.
Why Celebs Love to Be Seen on Private Jets
So why the obsession? Why do Nigerian stars post private jet pics like it’s a daily bus ride?
1. Image & Status: In entertainment, perception is everything. A PJ picture instantly screams “success.” Fans equate it with global superstar status.
2. Convenience: Top artistes sometimes have three shows in two countries on the same weekend. Chartering a jet saves time and stress.
3. Group Economics: When you’re flying with an entourage of 15–30 people (dancers, managers, hype men), booking business-class tickets for everyone can cost close to chartering.
4. Privacy & Security: With fame comes trouble. Celebs avoid airport stress, delays, and paparazzi by using private flights.
5. Brand Deals & Packaging: Sometimes, promoters or hosts pay for the charter. But when the celeb posts, fans assume they footed the bill. Free branding.
Celebs Often Seen on Private Jets
Here’s a breakdown of Naija stars often linked with private jets and what the facts actually say.
Davido:
The Adeleke family, particularly Davido’s dad, Adedeji Adeleke owns private jets. Davido uses them freely and has been spotted countless times. He once hinted online about “buying” one, but there are claims it’s his dad’s, not personally his.
Wizkid:
Frequently spotted boarding PJs, especially during tours. But there’s no public evidence he owns one. Likely charters or promoter-provided.
Burna Boy:
The African Giant is also known to hop on PJs between Europe, America and Lagos. Same story: no clear record of ownership, mostly charters.
Tiwa Savage:
Viral clips show Tiwa Savage stepping onto private jets en route to shows. Same charter narrative as promoters often arrange these.
Kizz Daniel:
Regularly posts jet pictures when flying for shows. Again, most likely charters.
Mr Eazi:
Often flies private, especially between Ghana and Nigeria, and on international runs. With his tech/business connections, access is easier but still no solid proof of ownership. In a 2023 Naija FM interview, he revealed he flies commercial or charter PJ if necessary because he doesn’t own one. Mr Eazi added that his billionaire father in-law, Femi Otedola doesn’t own a PJ either.
Sabinus / Mr Funny:
Seen posting PJ shots in recent years as his fame and bookings exploded. Likely short-term charters.
Who Actually Owns Jets in Nigeria?
To keep things balanced, let’s list some confirmed jet owners in Nigeria (not entertainers):
• Aliko Dangote – Africa’s richest man.
• Mike Adenuga – Globacom chairman.
• Allen Onyema – Air Peace founder.
• Folorunsho Alakija – Oil magnate.
• Pastors like David Oyedepo (Winners Chapel) – documented multiple private jets.
These are the people who actually carry the burden of maintenance, staff, hangars, and global permits. Not artistes.
The Psychology of Jet Flex
Wondering why celebs just say “charter” instead of “my jet”, it probably because:
- Fan don’t ask nor care about receipts.
- “Owning” a jet fits the narrative of being a global superstar.
- It keeps them in competition with each other. In the Nigerian entertainment industry, packaging is king.
At the end of the day, social media is about perception. Whether it’s rented, chartered, or borrowed, the image sells the brand.
Final Thoughts
Naija celebs love private jets but mostly for the lifestyle image, not the ownership. The truth is, the people who actually own jets are the billionaires, the tycoons, the airline bosses and a few pastors.
For entertainers, private jets are more like Uber rides in the sky. They are booked when needed, paid for by promoters, or borrowed from rich family members.
