Minister Yusuf Tuggar has warned Nigerian state governments against independent international deals after a Chinese company's legal claim led to the seizure of three Nigerian jets. Tuggar stresses that all foreign negotiations must involve federal oversight to avoid legal complications and protect national interests.
In the wake of a legal clash that has seen three Nigerian government jets seized by a French court, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has issued a stern warning to state governments. The dispute arose after Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment, a Chinese firm, successfully claimed €74,459,221 as compensation, leading to the jets being held at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports.
Ambassador Tuggar has cautioned against sub-national entities, such as state governments, conducting international negotiations independently of the Federal Government. He emphasized that such actions, like those leading to the current jet seizure, can result in significant complications. Tuggar underscored that all international agreements and negotiations must involve federal oversight to safeguard Nigeria's interests and avoid legal and diplomatic issues.
In his statement, Tuggar highlighted the problematic nature of the current situation, explaining that negotiations carried out without federal coordination can lead to serious repercussions. He stressed that the federal government should be fully informed and involved in any international dealings to prevent similar disputes in the future.
Tuggar's remarks come as part of broader efforts to resolve the issue, with ongoing diplomatic and legal actions being pursued. He called for a collaborative approach to international negotiations to protect national assets and ensure coherent foreign policy execution.
