Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd has announced the release of one of the three Nigerian Airbus A330 aircraft previously detained in France. This move follows a court order from a Paris judicial court and is intended to facilitate Nigerian President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s forthcoming meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
In a statement issued today, Zhongshan Fucheng expressed that the release of the Airbus A330 is a goodwill gesture, recognizing the importance of the aircraft for President Tinubu’s diplomatic engagement. The statement emphasized that Zhongshan Fucheng has acted reasonably and fairly throughout its legal dispute with Nigeria, which the company did not initiate.
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The aircraft, which had been detained due to a French court order, was required for President Tinubu’s upcoming travel. Zhongshan’s decision to lift the seizure allows the Nigerian leader to proceed with his scheduled meeting with President Macron next week.
This development follows the Federal Government’s confirmation of legal steps to address the interim seizure of the three aircraft. The jets were detained while undergoing routine maintenance, based on ex parte orders issued by the Paris Judicial Court on March 7 and August 12, 2024. These orders were part of Zhongshan Fucheng’s effort to enforce an arbitral award granted in 2021 against Ogun State, a Nigerian sub-national entity.
Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity, stated that the Nigerian government is pursuing both legal and diplomatic avenues to resolve the issue. Ogundele highlighted that the aircraft are sovereign assets, meant for official purposes, and thus should be immune from attachment.
Zhongshan Fucheng reiterated its confidence in the arbitral panel’s ruling, which favored the company. The spokesperson noted that the decision has been upheld by courts in multiple jurisdictions, reinforcing the company’s position. Zhongshan Fucheng expressed hope for a prompt and reasonable resolution through ongoing negotiations with the Nigerian government.
This release of the aircraft marks a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic and legal negotiations, allowing President Tinubu to continue with his international engagements.
