Tinubu Government Slams Chinese Company for ‘Misrepresentation’ in French Court, Resulting in Seizure of Presidential Jets

The Nigerian Presidency has vehemently denied allegations made by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company, in a French court, which led to the seizure of three presidential jets. The company had its contract revoked by the Ogun State government in 2016 and is seeking compensation. However, the Presidency asserts that the jets, essential for state functions, cannot be seized or claimed as assets.

An independent arbitral tribunal previously awarded Zhongshan approximately $74.5 million in compensation. The seized jets, currently undergoing maintenance, include a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus 330.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, stated that Zhongshan is attempting to use unconventional means to claim Nigerian government offshore assets. He emphasized that the issue is between the company and the Ogun State Government, and the Federal Government is not contractually obligated to Zhongshan.

Onanuga accused Zhongshan of withholding vital information and misleading the French court, stressing that the presidential jets are protected by diplomatic immunity and cannot be subject to seizure. He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working with the Ogun State Government to resolve the matter and discharge the French court’s order.