Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun State, has commented on the ongoing media coverage of the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) management dispute, stating that it is essentially “a Chinese against Chinese dispute.”
Amosun’s statement was shared via Onanuga’s X handle on August 17, 2024.
According to the government, the conflict emerged shortly after the administration took office on May 29, 2011. The dispute involves two Chinese companies, China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE, both claiming management rights over OGFTZ. This rivalry led to disruptions in business operations and raised concerns about public order in the zone and surrounding areas.
The core issue of the conflict was determining which company legitimately represented Guangdong Province, China, and thereby had rightful management authority over the zone.
Initially, Zhongfu International Investment FXE presented damaging claims about China Africa Investment FXE, which led to Zhongfu being appointed as the interim zone manager on March 15, 2012, pending further evaluation.
However, investigations revealed that Zhongfu’s claims were false and intended to discredit China Africa Investment FXE. In 2016, the Chinese government clarified via Diplomatic Note 1601 that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor and manager of OGFTZ.
In response, Amosun, following consultations with relevant agencies including the State Security Services and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), terminated Zhongfu International Investment FXE’s management rights on May 27, 2016.
Zhongfu International Investment FXE sought legal redress through various court cases, all of which favored China Africa Investment FXE. Notable cases include Suit No HCT/417/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE vs. OGFTZ and FCT/ABJ/CS/601/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE vs. NEPZA & Ors. Additionally, Suit No AB/04/2017: Zenith Global Merchant International Investment Ltd vs. Zhongfu International Investment FXE, delivered on March 29, 2017, reinforced that the dispute was between the two Chinese entities.
Amosun reiterated his commitment to transparency and fairness in resolving business disputes and praised the efforts of both state and federal authorities in addressing the issues surrounding OGFTZ.
