The Presidency has revealed that a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, has been making fraudulent attempts to take over Nigeria’s offshore assets, including presidential jets.
A French court’s order to seize three Nigerian presidential jets has been described as illegal, as the assets are protected by diplomatic immunity.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the Chinese company and is working with the Ogun State Government to resolve the matter amicably.
The dispute dates back to a 2007 contract between Zhongshan and the Ogun State Government to develop a free trade area. The company alleged a breach of contract and was awarded $70m in damages, which has grown to $81m with interest.
The Presidency accused Zhongshan of misleading the French court and withholding vital information. It also alleged that the company is trying to defraud Nigeria with the collaboration of some bureaucrats.
The Presidency assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working to protect national assets from predators and will discharge the frivolous order in Paris immediately.
