Written By Lisa Murimi
A French court has seized three jets owned by the Nigerian government in connection with a long-standing dispute with a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment.
The conflict dates back to a 2007 contract between Zhongshan and Nigeria’s Ogun State, intended to develop a free-trade zone.
The agreement was terminated between 2015 and 2016, with Zhongshan alleging that it was ousted through a “campaign of illegal acts.”
The Nigerian government has condemned the seizure, accusing Zhongshan of attempting to “undercut and scam” an African government.
The planes, which were undergoing routine maintenance in France, were grounded after Zhongshan secured orders from the Judicial Court of Paris.
In 2021, an arbitration tribunal awarded $74.5 million in compensation to Zhongshan, but Ogun State refused to pay.
Nigerian-owned buildings in Liverpool were also seized in relation to the dispute, and a recent U.S. court ruling allowed Zhongshan to pursue further asset confiscations abroad.
Nigeria has vowed to challenge the French court’s order, labeling it “frivolous” and accusing Zhongshan of misrepresenting facts.
The case has sparked public debate over the necessity of multiple presidential jets amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic struggles.
