Nigeria’s presidential fleet grounded in France amidst bitter trade dispute
Paris – A high-stakes legal battle between Nigeria and a Chinese company has taken a dramatic turn with the seizure of three presidential jets in France. The move is the latest escalation in a long-running dispute stemming from a failed free trade zone project.
Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment, a Chinese firm, secured court orders in Paris to impound the aircraft, claiming Nigeria reneged on a 2007 agreement to develop a massive industrial park in the southwestern state of Ogun.
The company alleges it was forcibly expelled from the project through illegal means and has since been awarded a $74.5 million arbitration award.
Nigeria vehemently denies the allegations, accusing Zhongshan of a “campaign of illegal acts” aimed at extorting funds from the African nation. The government has condemned the seizure as an attempt to “undercut and scam” Nigeria.
The impounded jets were undergoing routine maintenance in France when seized. The Nigerian government has vowed to challenge the court order, describing it as “frivolous.”
The dispute has also ignited a domestic debate over the government’s expenditure on presidential aircraft amid a severe economic crisis.
The incident underscores the growing tensions between Nigeria and China, despite their strong trade ties.
The dispute has far-reaching implications for both countries and could potentially impact their economic relationship.
