Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar advises Nigerian states to avoid entering international contracts independently, following the recent presidential jets seizure controversy.

According to Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, it is imperative for sub-national entities such as states to involve either the Federal Government or ministry of foreign affairs in any foreign or international negotiations.

He discussed the measures taken to resolve a conflict with a Chinese corporation that resulted in three Federal Government aircraft being confiscated by a French court.

It was decided by the court that to ensure their claim of EUR 74,459,221, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment is required to utilize Nigeria’s jets located at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse international airports as collateral.

“We are addressing this issue through both diplomatic and legal means to ensure its resolution,” he stated, referring to the collaboration between himself and the Attorney General.

“When state governments engage in international agreements without involving the federal government or seeking guidance from the ministry of foreign affairs, it creates a problem. Any issues that arise subsequently become our responsibility to address.”

It is crucial to register such arrangements with the mission, embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and federal government for this reason.

“We are not aware of the agreement that Ogun state, under a different administration, had entered into. It is aimed at seizing Nigerian assets.” clarified the governor stating this was done before his tenure began.

This is why sub-national actors are not responsible for foreign or international negotiations.

Those who possess the essential skills and proper training in negotiating such agreements should always be consulted.