Abuja – The Nigerian government has leveled serious accusations against a Chinese company, claiming it is orchestrating a scheme to seize government assets, including presidential jets.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said on Thursday that Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd. is using questionable tactics to target Nigerian property despite having no official ties to the federal government.
The dispute stems from a now-terminated 2007 contract between Zhongshan and Ogun State to develop a free trade zone. Onanuga insists Zhongshan made minimal progress on the project, providing no grounds for demanding compensation from the state.
The Nigerian government claims Zhongshan has misrepresented facts in courts in the UK, US, and France, securing a $60 million arbitration award. Nigeria has refused to pay.
The situation escalated in March and August when French courts granted Zhongshan orders to seize Nigerian assets, including presidential jets undergoing maintenance. Onanuga asserted these assets are immune from foreign legal actions.
The government is collaborating with Ogun State to resolve the matter and safeguard Nigeria’s assets from seizure.
Zhongshan has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
