Zhongshan, the Chinese company involved in a dispute with the Nigerian government over the seizure of three presidential jets, has announced the release of one of the aircraft.

This move comes as President Bola Tinubu prepares for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The seized jets, including a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and an Airbus A330-243, were held by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited following a contract dispute with the Ogun State government. The 2013 agreement aimed to develop a free trade area, with Zhongfu owning 60% of the joint venture.

However, the company alleged that Ogun State withdrew from the deal, leading to a “campaign of illegal acts” against them. Zhongshan initiated arbitration against Nigeria in 2018, resulting in a $70 million damages award in 2021, which has now grown to $81 million with interest.

In a new development, Zhongshan has released the Airbus A330, allowing President Tinubu to use it for his upcoming trip. A company spokesperson stated, “Zhongshan has consistently sought to act reasonably and fairly in the course of a legal dispute with Nigeria that was not of its making.

“It has now been made aware that an Airbus A330, currently detained in France due to a French court order obtained by Zhongshan, is needed for the President of Nigeria to attend a scheduled meeting with President Macron of France early next week.

“As a gesture of goodwill, Zhongshan has lifted the seizure of that aircraft immediately. This will allow it to be used for the President’s trip.”