Presidential jets seizure: CISLAC, TI-Nigeria urge diligence in signing contracts

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) have urged state governors to prioritise due diligence and legal consultations in contract negotiations.

This appeal comes in the wake of the recent seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets by a French court, following a contract dispute between the Ogun State government and a Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd.

The Executive Director of CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, on Monday in a statement expressed concern over the escalating legal battle, which stems from a 2007 agreement for the development of the Ogun Free Trade Zone.

Rafsanjani said the fallout from this poorly managed contract has resulted in significant financial losses and tarnished Nigeria’s international reputation.

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“State governors and government officials must fully understand the legal and ethical complexities of international agreements before entering into them.

“Nigeria is already grappling with numerous socio-economic challenges and the last thing we need is to be entangled in costly legal disputes that could have been avoided with proper due diligence,” Rafsanjani said.

He criticised the federal government for allowing state governors to access loans without adequately addressing potential risks.

He also said that personal interests often led public officials into problematic agreements, drawing parallels to the controversial P&ID case.

“CISLAC/TI-Nigeria’s call serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and ethical governance in handling international contracts to prevent severe repercussions from mismanagement.

“Thanks to the global advocacy efforts of CISLAC and Transparency International, Nigeria secured temporary relief through a UK court’s decision. CISLAC reiterates calls on President Bola Tinubu and anti-corruption agencies to prosecute all Nigerians and their accomplices, including former senior officials, who were involved in colluding with P&ID for personal gain.

“As the country navigates this complex legal situation, it is crucial to remember the need for vigilance and ethical governance in contract negotiations,” Rafsanjani added.