Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company, has released one of Nigeria’s seized presidential jets. The aircraft was originally confiscated as part of a legal dispute in which Zhongshan secured a court order to seize three Nigerian presidential jets until the country pays $74.5 million awarded to the firm.
A spokesperson for Zhongshan announced the release of the jet on Friday, stating that the decision was made to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron early next week.
The dispute between Zhongshan and Nigeria stems from a legal battle over a $74.5 million judgment that the Chinese firm was awarded. The conflict involves a contract dispute with the Ogun State Government dating back to 2007, which led to the revocation of the company’s contract in 2015. Despite these events, the federal government has denied any direct contractual obligations to Zhongshan.
In response to the jet’s seizure, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that the federal government, in collaboration with the Ogun State government, is working to overturn what they described as a “frivolous” court order obtained by Zhongshan in Paris.
Onanuga accused the Chinese company of using underhanded tactics to attach Nigerian assets, likening the situation to the infamous P&ID case, where a foreign entity attempted to defraud the Nigerian government.
The federal government remains committed to protecting its assets and is actively seeking an amicable resolution to the dispute. In the meantime, Zhongshan has expressed a willingness to engage in further talks with Nigerian representatives to reach a compromise.
