Jets Seizure: Tuggar Warns States Against Solo International Contracts

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has cautioned the 36 state governments against engaging in foreign or international negotiations without involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Federal Government.

Tuggar's warning comes in the wake of a dispute with a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment, which has resulted in a French court seizing three Federal Government jets.

The Minister highlighted the necessity of registering international agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy, and the Federal Government to prevent similar issues in the future.

He pointed out that the Ogun State Government's agreement with the Chinese company, made without the Federal Government's knowledge, has led to the seizure of Nigerian assets.

Tuggar emphasized that foreign negotiations require skilled and experienced individuals, and sub-national actors should not undertake such agreements independently.

"This is part of the problem when sub-national actors like state governments decide to enter into agreements and international arrangements without consulting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Federal Government. When things go wrong, we are left to handle the fallout.

"That is why it is crucial that such arrangements be registered with the mission there, the embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Federal Government.

"This issue stems from an agreement made by Ogun State under a previous administration, not the current governor. We were unaware of it, and now they are targeting Nigerian assets.

"This is why foreign or international negotiations should not be handled by sub-national actors.

"Such negotiations should always involve individuals with the necessary skills and training to handle these types of agreements."

Source News

Nigerian tribune

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