Tinubu departs for China amid Presidential jet seizure controversy

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja for Beijing, China, on Thursday.

The visit comes shortly after the recent seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets in France by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd, a Chinese company.

The Chinese firm, which had initially seized the jets following a French court’s decision in a contract dispute with the Ogun State government, has since released one of the aircraft.

Despite the controversy, a statement from Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, clarified that President Tinubu’s visit to China is for official purposes, unrelated to the ongoing dispute.

“President Tinubu will have a brief layover in the United Arab Emirates.

” In China, the President will meet with President Xi Jinping and will hold meetings with Chinese business leaders on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials on the trip,” the statement read.