There is something about the Chinese. They understand contracts. It is something about their culture. They are long-term thinkers. You underestimate them at your own peril.
When the British took Hong Kong, they signed a contract with them. At the time of the lease in 1898, 99 years looked like a long time. The British developed Hong Kong into a world class financial hub.
On July 1, 1997 at midnight, Hong Kong was handed over to the Chinese.
In the same way, Macau which had also been developed by the Portuguese was handed over to China.
On the other hand, for the most part, Nigerians have no respect for contracts. We tend to think it’s just a piece of paper. The saying in local parlance to the effect: “every pencil has an eraser” speaks to our lack of respect for contracts.
This attitude must change or else, we will continue to lose all our international cases.
On the matter at hand that has led to the seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets, it would appear that the Ogun State Government had at some point contracted a Chinese firm, Zhongshan, to build and operate a Free Trade Zone in Ogun State. Later on, as we are, a country of impunity, someone decided to revoke the contract without reading the fine print.
The Chinese went to court to seek redress.
Hear the argument on the Nigerian side: “shebi na only perimeter fence dem don build.”
That is how we are. The Chinese will exact their pound of flesh for the “ordinary perimeter fence.”
We can only hope that someone has not already signed off our country considering the level of greed and thievery our officials are known for.
One may want to ask: what is so unique about a Free Trade Zone that a Nigerian Construction Company cannot build?
Our Correspondent.
Egogonewshub.com
The non respect for contract has eating deep into us. One administration awards the incoming administration revokes. Time will tell.