The Nigerian presidency has disclosed that France is set to return $150 million that was looted by former Nigerian military head of state, General Sani Abacha.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, revealed this development and conveyed the President’s appreciation for France’s decision.
Receiving the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Catherine Colonna, Tinubu hailed the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and France.
“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,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
The President welcomed the growing cooperation between the two countries in areas of shared interest, such as climate change, economic integration, education, and culture.
Tinubu also acknowledged the signing of a €100 million agreement between Nigeria and France to support the i-DICE programme which is a Federal Government initiative to promote investment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Creative Arts Industries.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Technology, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, and the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs at an earlier event at Tafawa Balewa House, the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking on the Abacha loot, the French Presidential Envoy said the repatriation followed the completion of legal processes.
“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.
