The Nigerian government has uncovered a plot by a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, to seize Nigerian presidential jets stationed in Paris. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the company’s actions are fraudulent and represent an attempt to strip Nigeria of its assets abroad.
Onanuga emphasized that the federal government, in collaboration with the Ogun State government, is actively working to overturn the dubious court orders issued in Paris. He assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to safeguarding national assets from entities that disguise themselves as investors but are, in reality, predators and opportunists.
He stated: “The Presidency is aware of the various failed attempts by a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, to take over offshore assets of the Federal Government of Nigeria through subterfuge. The Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the company. The case in which Zhongshan is trying to use every unorthodox means to strip our offshore assets is between the company and the Ogun State Government.”
The controversy stems from a 2007 contract between Ogun State and Zhongshan to manage a free-trade zone. After the contract was revoked in 2015, disputes arose, leading to arbitration in which the company was awarded over $60 million. Despite attempts at settlement, Zhongshan recently obtained orders from the Judicial Court of Paris to seize Nigerian assets, including presidential jets, without proper notification to the Nigerian government.
Onanuga likened this situation to the notorious P&ID case, where foreign entities attempted to defraud Nigeria with the help of insiders. He reassured the public that efforts are underway to invalidate the questionable order and protect Nigeria’s interests.
