From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government has urged the government of the United States to repatriate without delay, more illicit funds starched away in its banking system by Nigerian government officials.
The United States had earlier assured Nigeria of its commitment to help the government build more capable, professional and accountable security forces, while ensuring respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms, including for religious minorities.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made the call during the sixth session of the Nigeria-United States Bi-National Commission which was held in Abuja.
Tuggar, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, insisted on an increase in support from the United States.
Tuggar said $308 million was insufficient compared to Nigeria’s losses from illegal fund transfers over the years.
While emphasising Nigeria’s commitment to utilising the repatriated funds for the collective benefit of its citizens, in line with agreements with development partners, Tuggar added that the funds would be allocated to infrastructural development, with special focus on projects like roads, schools, education, and other main sectors requiring substantial investment.
He said: “I would like to appreciate the fallout of the Democratic National Convention held in February 2020 in Washington, DC. 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 is committed to using these funds for the benefit of all Nigerians, as agreed with the 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 further said as two major democracies, strengthening ties between Nigeria and the United States held promise for an even more robust partnership, fostering peace, prosperity, and advancement, not only in Africa but also globally.
In his remarks, the United States Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, emphasised the important role of security cooperation in the Nigeria-United States partnership.
Campbell, who was represented by the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Molly Phee, said without security, achieving prosperity becomes challenging and human rights are endangered, which underscored the joint efforts aimed at tackling Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and piracy, which pose significant threats to its population.
According to Campbell, “Security cooperation is another crucial aspect of our relationship. 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.”