By August 18, (THEWILL) – The recent seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets (one was released on Friday) by a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd, over a breach of contract is a national embarrassment that lays bare the deep-rooted incompetence and corruption plaguing our government institutions. This fiasco not only tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation but also exposes the callous disregard for due process and the rule of law by both state and federal authorities.
The genesis of this debacle lies in the mishandling of a free trade zone agreement by the Ogun State government under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who was governor from 2003-2011. In 2010, Zhongshan was contracted to develop an industrial park in the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone. The company claimed it invested millions of dollars and significant resources to build infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and essential services. By 2016 under the administration of Ibikunle Amosun, who governed from 2011-2019, the zone was operational.
However, instead of fostering this promising venture, the Ogun State Government abruptly terminated its agreements with Zhongshan in 2016, citing dubious claims of fraud and asserting that another Chinese company was entitled to Zhongshan’s share. What followed was a disgraceful display of intimidation and human rights violations against Zhongshan executives.
Court documents reveal that Ogun State officials resorted to threats and coercion. One official ominously warned a Zhongshan executive to “leave peacefully” or face “forceful removal, complications and possible prosecution.” This thuggish behaviour escalated when Nigerian federal police arrested a Zhongshan executive at gunpoint, detaining him for 10 days. During this ordeal, the executive was denied food and water, subjected to beatings and interrogated about the whereabouts of another executive.
Such egregious treatment of foreign investors is not only morally reprehensible but also economically suicidal. It sends a chilling message to potential investors that Nigeria is a hostile environment where contracts can be arbitrarily terminated, and businesspeople face physical danger. This incident will undoubtedly deter future investment at a time when our ailing economy desperately needs it.
The subsequent legal battles have only compounded the government’s predicament. An independent arbitral tribunal, chaired by the former President of the UK Supreme Court, awarded Zhongshan $74.5 million in compensation. Instead of honouring this judgement, the Nigerian Government embarked on a futile crusade of appeals, hiding behind the flimsy shield of sovereign immunity.
This leads us to the Federal Government’s culpability in this fiasco. The purchase and maintenance of presidential jets, shrouded in secrecy, is a slap in the face of millions of Nigerians grappling with unprecedented inflation and economic hardship. While preaching austerity to the masses, our leaders indulge in luxury air travel, demonstrating a callous disconnect from the realities on the ground.
The government’s response to the jet seizure has been problematic and lacks transparency. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, characterised Zhongshan’s legal actions as “arm-twisting tactics” and claimed the company misled the French court. This rhetoric raises concerns about the government’s grasp of international law and diplomatic norms, potentially undermining Nigeria’s position in this complex dispute.
The Presidency’s claim that the presidential jets are protected by diplomatic immunity is a desperate attempt to evade responsibility. It conveniently ignores the fact that these aircraft were in France, where they were not engaged in diplomatic missions or registered as so when they arrived.
I am eager to speak to Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, the two prominent actors in this saga, to understand the dynamics of their deal with Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd to better understand the issues.
The Zhongshan affair is one international crisis too many. It follows a pattern of embarrassing incidents, from the P&ID scandal to numerous investment disputes that have cost Nigeria billions in damages and lost opportunities. We must stem this tide immediately if we hope to attract the foreign investment crucial for economic recovery and growth.
To address these issues and prevent future international embarrassments, the government should consider several key actions. The Ogun State Government must be held accountable for its treatment of Zhongshan executives through an independent investigation. The Federal Government would do well to reassess its legal strategy and consider honouring the arbitration award to mitigate further damage to Nigeria’s reputation.
Transparency regarding the purchase, maintenance, and use of presidential aircraft is crucial, especially given the current economic challenges facing many Nigerians. A thorough review of Nigeria’s investment agreements and dispute resolution mechanisms could help prevent similar situations in the future.
Prioritising merit-based appointments in key economic and diplomatic positions would strengthen Nigeria’s ability to navigate complex international relationships. Enhancing the power of institutions that oversee government contracts and international agreements could provide much-needed checks and balances.
By taking these steps, Nigeria can work towards rebuilding trust with international partners and creating a more favourable environment for foreign investment. This approach would benefit not only the country’s diplomatic standing but also its economic prospects in the long term.
The Zhongshan jet seizure is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a dysfunctional system. It reflects a government that prioritises self-interest over national interest, short-term gains over long-term stability, and political expediency over sound governance. Until we address these fundamental issues, Nigeria will continue to lurch from one international embarrassment to another, squandering its potential and failing its citizens.
We cannot afford more incidents that damage our international standing and deter investment. The path forward requires courage, competence, and a genuine commitment to the rule of law. Anything less is a betrayal of the Nigerian people and a recipe for continued national humiliation on the global stage.
