Zhongshan, a Chinese company involved in a legal dispute with the Ogun State government, has expressed its readiness to negotiate a settlement with the Nigerian government after a French court ordered the seizure of three Nigerian presidential aircraft.
The court’s ruling, which prohibits the movement, sale, or purchase of the jets, will remain in effect until Zhongshan receives $74.5 million, awarded to the company in a 2021 arbitration decision.
The aircraft, including a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus A330, were undergoing maintenance in France and Switzerland when the seizure orders were issued. The seizures are part of Zhongshan’s efforts to enforce the arbitration award, which followed the Ogun State government’s 2016 revocation of the company’s export processing zone management contract.
In a statement sent to Premium Times on Thursday, Zhongshan confirmed its willingness to resolve the issue through negotiations. “Zhongshan has only ever sought to assert its rights under international law and is confident in its case,” the company stated.
“The independent arbitral panel found unanimously in its favor, and courts in multiple countries have upheld the view that the panel’s compensation should be enforced. The French court was fully aware of the facts when it reached its decision.”
The statement also highlighted the significance of the Ogun Free Trade Zone, describing it as “a significant international investment,” and emphasized the company’s willingness to engage in serious negotiations with the Nigerian government. “Zhongshan has for a long time been ready to enter serious negotiations with the federal government of Nigeria to settle this case and still awaits an indication that the government is equally willing,” the company added.
This development comes as the Nigerian Federal Government, through the Offices of the National Security Adviser and the Attorney-General of the Federation, is taking steps to challenge the court orders and secure the release of the seized jets. The government has argued that the aircraft are sovereign assets, used solely for official purposes, and are therefore immune from such legal actions.
