The Nigerian federal government and Ogun State are confronting the seizure of three presidential jets by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company.
The aircraft, including a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus A330, were reportedly seized in Paris and Switzerland following a court order related to Zhongshan’s claim against Ogun State over the management of an export processing zone.
The conflict began over a decade ago when Zhongshan, through its Zhuhai Zhongfu Industrial Group, was appointed to manage the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Ogun State. Despite initial cooperation, the relationship soured, leading to Ogun State’s attempt to expel Zhongshan and the subsequent legal battle.
In March 2021, an arbitration tribunal awarded Zhongshan approximately $70 million, a decision upheld by the UK Court of Appeal in July 2023. However, Nigerian officials only became aware of the provisional attachment of the jets on August 14, 2024.
Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity, Mr. Kamarudeen Ogundele, stated, “The federal government became aware of the interim attachment of three presidential aircraft undergoing routine maintenance in France on August 14.” He stated that the aircraft are sovereign assets and should be protected from confiscation.
In addition, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, condemned Zhongshan’s actions, calling them a “subterfuge to acquire offshore assets of the federal government.” Onanuga accused Zhongshan of misleading French authorities about the nature of the assets.
Ogun State officials have also voiced strong objections. Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described the legal process as a “charade with fraudulent intentions” and accused Zhongshan of concealing litigation from Nigerian authorities. Ogun State has launched efforts to vacate the seizure orders and has criticized Zhongshan for reneging on settlement discussions.
However, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, weighed in on the situation on X, calling the seizure an “international embarrassment” and a sign of leadership failures. Obi criticized the federal government’s handling of the jets and questioned the transparency of the purchase process.
The Nigerian government, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and the National Security Adviser, has initiated both legal and diplomatic actions to challenge the seizure while Ogun State is actively working to reverse the attachment through the judicial process.
