The Nigerian government has formally received $52.88 million in recovered assets linked to former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke from the United States.
At a signing ceremony in Abuja on Friday, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, announced that $50 million of the recovered funds will be allocated through the World Bank for rural electrification projects aimed at improving access to renewable energy. The remaining $2.88 million will support justice system reforms and anti-corruption initiatives through the International Institute of Justice.
Fagbemi described the asset return as a landmark in Nigeria’s collaboration with the U.S. to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law. He emphasized that the repatriation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to tackling corruption and fostering development.
The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, commended the milestone but urged the Nigerian government to ensure transparent monitoring and utilization of the funds to benefit its citizens.
The recovered assets symbolize a renewed focus on accountability and the effective use of public funds for national development.
