Abuja, Nigeria
In a significant development, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company, has announced the release of one of Nigeria’s presidential jets that had been seized under the directives of a French court.
The company revealed on Friday that the release of the jet was prompted by the pressing need for President Bola Tinubu to use the aircraft for an upcoming meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A spokesperson for Zhongshan stated, “Zhongshan has consistently sought to act reasonably and fairly in the course of a legal dispute with Nigeria, which was not of its making.”
The spokesperson further explained that the company became aware that one of the three detained presidential jets, an Airbus A330, was urgently required by President Tinubu for his scheduled diplomatic engagement with President Macron in France.
“As a gesture of goodwill, Zhongshan has lifted the seizure of that aircraft immediately. This will allow it to be used for the President’s trip,” the spokesperson added.
The release of the jet marks a crucial step in resolving the ongoing legal dispute between the Chinese firm and Nigeria. It also ensures that President Tinubu can proceed with his scheduled international engagement without any hindrance.
**Background**
The seizure of the presidential jets was initially carried out following a French court order obtained by Zhongshan in connection with a legal dispute involving the Nigerian government. The details of the dispute remain undisclosed, but Zhongshan’s decision to release the aircraft underscores the company’s willingness to facilitate diplomatic relations between Nigeria and France.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the release of the jet. However, this development is expected to ease tensions and enable continued dialogue between the involved parties.
