Chinese Firm Zhongshan Releases One Of Nigerian Seized Presidential Jets

Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd, has announced the release of one of the three Nigerian aircraft, Airbus A330, detained in France, following a court order.

ex-parte orders issued by the Judicial Court of Paris on March 7 and August 12, 2024, that authorised the seizure of the three presidential jets undergoing routine maintenance in France and Switzerland. The seized aircraft include a Dassault Falcon 7X,  a Boeing 737 and a newly acquired Airbus A330 valued at over $100 million.

These orders were obtained by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company seeking to enforce an arbitral award of $74.5 million granted in its favour in 2021 against Ogun State.

In a statement on Friday, spokesperson of the firm said the release of the Airbus A330 aircraft was a gesture of goodwill, acknowledging that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu requires the aircraft for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The statement reads: “Zhongshan has consistently acted reasonably and fairly in a legal dispute with Nigeria, which it did not initiate.

“The company has been informed that an Airbus A330, currently detained in France due to a French court order obtained by Zhongshan, is needed by the President of Nigeria for his upcoming meeting with President Macron next week.

“As a goodwill gesture, Zhongshan has lifted the seizure, allowing the aircraft to be used for the President’s trip.

“Zhongshan remains committed to negotiations with the Nigerian government, with hopes of reaching a reasonable compromise swiftly.”