Nigerian presidential planes being seized in France by a court order.

By Edwin F -

Nigerian presidential jets were seized in France and Switzerland due to a legal dispute involving the Nigerian government and a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited. This seizure is part of a broader legal battle that has been ongoing for several years, primarily stemming from a contract dispute between Zhongshan and the Ogun State government in Nigeria.



The conflict dates back to 2010, when the Zhuhai Zhongfu Industrial Group Co. Ltd, the parent company of Zhongshan, entered into an agreement with the Ogun State government to develop and manage the Fucheng Industrial Park. However, in 2016, the Ogun State government terminated this contract, leading Zhongshan to initiate legal action against Nigeria. The company claimed that the termination was unjust and sought to enforce a judgment that awarded it $74.5 million in damages.

The French court's order prohibits Nigeria from moving or selling these jets until the Chinese company receives the awarded amount.


This seizure follows a similar incident where Nigerian-owned properties in Liverpool, England, were confiscated by a UK court in connection with the same dispute. The properties were valued between £1.3 million and £1.7 million.The Nigerian government has expressed its intention to challenge the court orders, claiming that the French court was misled in granting the seizure.


The Nigerian presidency has publicly stated its commitment to contest the seizure, asserting that it will protect national assets from what it describes as predatory actions by foreign entities. Officials have indicated that they are working closely with the Ogun State government to address the situation and reverse the court's decision.


The seizure of the Nigerian presidential jets highlights the complexities of international business agreements and the potential repercussions of contract disputes. As the Nigerian government prepares to challenge the court orders, the outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for Nigeria's international relations and its handling of foreign investments.

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