Presidency responds to Chinese company’s attempt to seize Nigerian presidential jets

Presidency addressed the ongoing issue involving Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company attempting to claim offshore assets of the Federal Government of Nigeria through questionable means.

The Presidency clarified that the Federal Government holds no contractual obligations with Zhongshan. The dispute concerns the company’s efforts to seize assets through unorthodox methods, specifically involving the Ogun State Government.

The statement, issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, follows reports of a French court authorizing the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets. This action is linked to a $74.5 million award granted to Zhongshan by an independent arbitral tribunal, chaired by a former UK Supreme Court President.

The seized jets are part of Nigeria’s presidential air fleet. Onanuga emphasized that the Federal Government is aware of the Ogun State Government’s efforts to resolve the situation amicably.

The statement read in part: “This latest attempt by the Chinese company to attach Nigerian government-owned assets abroad is just one of many failed attempts to undermine Nigeria. The transaction details between the Ogun State Government and Zhongshan resemble previous fraudulent cases like P&ID, where deceptive individuals pose as investors to exploit African governments.”

Onanuga accused Zhongshan of misleading the French court about the nature and use of the presidential jets, which are currently undergoing routine maintenance in France. He asserted that as sovereign assets protected by diplomatic immunity, these jets should not be subject to foreign court orders.

The statement further noted that Zhongshan’s attempts to enforce its judgment in the UK and USA were unsuccessful, and suggested that the company might be involved in a scheme to embarrass the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu.

The Presidency assured Nigerians that efforts are underway, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, to overturn the erroneous court order in Paris.