President Bola Tinubu has left Abuja for an official visit to China, with a brief stopover in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This visit comes at a pivotal time, following a recent dispute over asset seizures between Nigeria’s Federal Government and a Chinese firm.
The trip, announced by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, includes high-level discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and engagements with Chinese business leaders during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. These meetings aim to strengthen bilateral relations and attract investments to Nigeria.
However, Tinubu’s visit is complicated by an ongoing legal battle with Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese firm that recently secured a court ruling in France. The ruling permitted the company to seize three Nigerian presidential jets undergoing maintenance in France, as security for claims related to a longstanding arbitration case involving the Ogun State government.
This situation raises concerns about Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and its future relations with China and other international partners. The President’s delegation includes senior government officials, underscoring the significance of this mission for Nigeria’s global diplomacy.