On Friday, the French Government declared its intent to repatriate $150 million from the late General Sani Abacha’s funds. Ajuri Ngelale, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, conveyed this development in a statement issued on Friday after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Catherine Colonna, the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Since the passing of Abacha, who served as Nigeria’s military leader from 1993 to 1998, the nation has successfully repatriated hundreds of millions of dollars stashed abroad.
President Bola Tinubu conveyed his gratitude to France for the repatriation that had been embezzled from Nigeria by the former Head of State.
“Thank you for the good news on the return of Abacha loot. We appreciate your effective cooperation concerning the return of Nigeria’s money. It will be judiciously applied in attaining our development objectives,” he stated.
In addition to recovering the Abacha loot, the President acknowledged a €100 million agreement between Nigeria and France to support the i-DICE program, fostering ICT and Creative Arts Industries investment.
The President stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation in politics and economics while commending the growing collaboration between the two countries in areas like climate change, economic integration, education, and culture.
The French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs conveyed President Emmanuel Macron’s goodwill and France’s eagerness to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with Nigeria in various sectors.
She formally invited President Bola Tinubu to participate in the upcoming Paris Peace Forum.
Regarding the Abacha loot, the French Presidential Envoy explained that the repatriation occurred after completing the necessary legal procedures.
“It was a long process, but we are glad that it was concluded. Sometimes, justice may be slow, but this is a very good achievement,” she said.
In May 2022, the UK recovered $23 million taken out of Nigeria illegally by Abacha’s associates and family. Three months later, the United States returned $20 million to Nigeria, part of the loot linked to Sani Abacha and his co-conspirators.
Source: Business Inder Africa
