From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Nigerian government has urged the United States to expedite the repatriation of illicit funds stolen by Nigerian officials and stashed in American banks. This plea comes as the US reaffirms its commitment to assisting Nigeria in building more capable, professional, and accountable security forces while upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms, including those of religious minorities.
The call for increased support was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, during the 6th Session of the Nigeria-United States Bi-National Commission held in Abuja. Tuggar, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, emphasised the need for increased support from the US, stating that the $308 million already repatriated is insufficient compared to Nigeria’s losses from illegal fund transfers over the years.
Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to utilising the repatriated funds for the collective benefit of its citizens, in line with agreements with development partners. He added that the funds would be allocated to infrastructural development, with a special focus on projects in roads, schools, education, and other sectors requiring substantial investment.
“I would like to appreciate the fallout of the Democratic National Convention held in February 2020 in Washington, DC,” Tuggar stated. “The governments of Nigeria, the United States, and Jersey signed a tripartite agreement to return to Nigeria the sum of over $308 million of funds stolen from the country.”
“I would also urge the U.S. to do more because $308 million is a meagre amount when you look at the resources that Nigeria has lost over the years due to illegal transfers of funds from the country.”
“The Nigerian government has committed to using these funds for the benefit of all Nigerians, as agreed with development partners. These funds are aimed at developing infrastructure, particularly projects in roads, schools, education, and other sectors of the economy that require this substantial return.”
Tuggar emphasised that strengthening ties between Nigeria and the United States, as two major democracies, holds promise for an even more robust partnership, fostering peace, prosperity, and advancement not only in Africa but globally.
In his remarks, the United States Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, highlighted the importance of security cooperation in the Nigeria-United States partnership. Campbell, represented by the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Molly Phee, emphasised that without security, achieving prosperity becomes challenging and human rights are endangered. This underscores the joint efforts aimed at tackling Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and piracy, which pose significant threats to its population.
“Security cooperation is another crucial aspect of our relationship,” Campbell stated. “Without security, prosperity will be elusive and human rights threatened. Together, we are working to address the broad security challenges facing Nigeria, terrorism; banditry and piracy threaten its people.”
“The U.S. is committed to helping Nigeria build more capable, professional and accountable security forces while ensuring respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms, including for religious minorities.”