USA Returns $52.88 Million Linked to Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Madueke
The United States Government has repatriated $52.88 million traced to former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., led a delegation to execute the Assets Return Agreement at the Federal Ministry of Justice Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria. He revealed that the $52.88 million resulted from the forfeiture of Galactica assets linked to the former minister and her associates.
The AGF emphasized that the development underscores the shared commitment of both nations to combat corruption and demonstrates the USA’s dedication to supporting restitution, integrity, and accountability in governance.
“Robust measures have been established to ensure the repatriated funds are not only disbursed but transparently and accountably utilized. The World Bank and IIJ will oversee the funds, with periodic reports submitted to Nigeria and the USA on project implementation,” Fagbemi stated.
He added that the framework guarantees the funds are used effectively for the benefit of Nigerians, in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles.
