The controversy surrounding the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets in Paris has deepened, with former Ogun State Governors Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel breaking their silence on the matter. The seized aircraft, including a newly purchased Airbus A330 valued at over $100 million, were reportedly grounded following a legal dispute between a Chinese firm and the Ogun State government.
Amosun, who served as governor from 2011 to 2019, labeled the issue a “Chinese against Chinese” business dispute, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring that Nigeria is not defrauded by Zhongfu International Investment Co. Ltd or any other entity. Amosun clarified that the contract at the heart of the dispute had remained unchanged throughout his administration and that the current controversy stems from a longstanding rivalry between two Chinese companies vying for control over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ).
Similarly, Gbenga Daniel, who governed Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, revealed that he possesses documents that could assist in resolving the matter. Daniel stressed the importance of finding a diplomatic solution, underscoring that he would not engage in public discourse that could compromise Nigeria’s position in ongoing international legal proceedings.
The seized jets include a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737, and the newly acquired Airbus A330. The aircraft were reportedly impounded following a French court order linked to a €74.5 million compensation ruling in favor of Zhongshan Fucheng, a Chinese firm whose export processing zone management contract was terminated by the Ogun State government in 2016.
Amosun detailed how the dispute escalated when two Chinese companies, China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE, laid competing claims to the management rights of the OGFTZ shortly after he assumed office in 2011. He accused Zhongfu of using deceptive tactics to gain control of the Zone, which led to a series of legal battles and diplomatic interventions. Despite losing several court cases in Nigeria, Zhongfu escalated the matter to international arbitration, resulting in the recent seizure of the jets.
Both former governors have vowed to work with the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria’s interests are protected and that the country is not subjected to a scam. Amosun compared the situation to the notorious P&ID case, warning that Nigeria must not allow foreign entities to unlawfully appropriate its sovereign assets.
