Zhongshan, the Chinese company at the center of the controversy surrounding the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets in France, has expressed willingness to settle with the Nigerian government.
In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, Zhongshan said it has “always sought to assert its rights under international law” and is confident in its case, citing a unanimous independent arbitral panel ruling in its favor.
The company, whose export processing zone management contract was revoked by the Ogun State government in 2016, stated that it has been ready to enter serious negotiations with the federal government to settle the case and awaits a willingness to do so.
“Zhongshan has only ever sought to assert its rights under international law and is confident in its case. The independent arbitral panel was found unanimously in its favour, 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.
“Far from being just a fence, the Ogun Free Trade Zone was featured as a significant international investment by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
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“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 statement said.
The development comes after a French court authorized the seizure of the presidential jets linked to the Federal Government of Nigeria, prohibiting their movement, sale, or purchase until Zhongshan receives the awarded $74.5 million.
The Nigerian government has reacted, describing the French court’s order as an “arm-twisting tactic” by Zhongshan. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga accused Zhongshan of withholding vital information and misleading the French court, emphasizing that the jets are protected by diplomatic immunity.
The seizure has sparked a diplomatic row, with the Nigerian government vowing to take legal and diplomatic action to reverse the “inappropriate orders.”
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