Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has issued a warning to Nigerian state governors about the potential risks of entering into contracts with foreign companies.
Sani advised governors to exercise caution when dealing with foreign firms to prevent the potential confiscation of Nigerian-owned jets and other assets.
On X, the ex-lawmaker posted: “Governors signing contracts with foreign companies should be cautious to avoid situations where diaspora properties are seized after our remaining planes are taken.”
His warning comes in light of a dispute between Nigeria and the Chinese company Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited.
Fucheng recently received a court order to seize a Dassault Falcon 7X, an Airbus A330-243, and a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ belonging to the Nigerian Government. This order followed the Ogun State Government’s revocation of Fucheng’s export processing zone management contract in 2016.
The company, displeased with Ogun State’s decision, sought French court intervention, which led to the seizure order. Reports indicate that one of the jets may have been returned for use by President Bola Tinubu.