A Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd., has announced the release of one of the three Nigerian aircraft, Airbus A330, detained in France, following a court order.
Recall that ex-parte orders were issued by the Judicial Court of Paris on March 7 and August 12, 2024, that authorised the seizure of the three presidential jets undergoing routine maintenance in France and Switzerland. The seized aircraft include a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737 and a newly acquired Airbus A330 valued at over $100 million.
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These orders were obtained by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company seeking to enforce an arbitral award of $74.5 million granted in its favour in 2021 against Ogun State.
In a statement on Friday, spokesperson of the firm said the release of the Airbus A330 aircraft was a gesture of goodwill, acknowledging that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu requires the aircraft for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The statement reads: “Zhongshan has consistently acted reasonably and fairly in a legal dispute with Nigeria, which it did not initiate.
“The company has been informed that an Airbus A330, currently detained in France due to a French court order obtained by Zhongshan, is needed by the President of Nigeria for his upcoming meeting with President Macron next week.
“As a goodwill gesture, Zhongshan has lifted the seizure, allowing the aircraft to be used for the President’s trip.
“Zhongshan remains committed to negotiations with the Nigerian government, with hopes of reaching a reasonable compromise swiftly.”