Zhongshan, a Chinese company involved in a protracted dispute with the Nigerian government, has expressed its willingness to settle the matter amicably. The dispute originated from a revoked contract to manage an export processing zone in Ogun State in 2016. Zhongshan has consistently sought to assert its rights under international law and has obtained favorable rulings from an independent arbitral panel and courts in multiple countries.
The company highlighted the significance of the Ogun Free Trade Zone as an important international investment and reiterated its readiness to engage in serious negotiations with the Nigerian federal government to resolve the case. However, the company is still awaiting a clear indication of the government’s willingness to settle.
This development follows a recent French court order authorizing the seizure of three presidential jets linked to the Nigerian government to enforce a $74.5 million award in favor of Zhongshan. The Nigerian government has criticized the court’s order, describing it as an “arm-twisting tactic” and claiming that Zhongshan withheld vital information and misled the French court.
HOBNOB NEWS