The United States government has formally repatriated $52.88 million in assets connected to Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Minister of Petroleum Resources of Nigeria.
This announcement was made on January 10, 2025, during an official signing ceremony held in Abuja, attended by Nigerian officials and U.S. representatives.
Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, confirmed that the recovered funds will be allocated to critical national development projects. Of the total amount, $50 million will be directed towards rural electrification initiatives across Nigeria, in partnership with the World Bank. The remaining $2.88 million will support the enhancement of Nigeria’s justice system and anti-corruption efforts.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, emphasized the importance of transparency in the management of the repatriated funds, ensuring they are utilized for the benefit of the Nigerian people. This asset recovery is a testament to the shared commitment of both nations to combat corruption and recover misappropriated public funds.
This development is in alignment with the anti-corruption agenda of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, whose administration seeks to improve governance and enhance accountability across the country. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served as Petroleum Minister from 2010 to 2015, is facing multiple corruption charges in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The repatriation marks a significant step toward holding accountable those implicated in financial misconduct, with both governments pledging to closely monitor the proper utilization of these funds for designated projects.
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