Nigeria Secures Return of $52.88 Million in Looted Funds

In a significant development, the United States has agreed to return $52.88 million in assets linked to Nigeria’s former oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke. The funds, seized as part of an international anti-corruption effort, will be allocated to rural electrification projects aimed at improving access to electricity in underserved communities across Nigeria.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015, has been implicated in multiple corruption investigations. She is accused of embezzling billions of dollars in public funds, undermining economic growth and development during her tenure. The recovered assets are part of ongoing efforts to address the misuse of public resources and restore public trust in governance.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauded the recovery as a critical step toward accountability and justice. "These funds will be channeled into projects that directly benefit our citizens," Tinubu stated. International cooperation has played a vital role in this process, with the U.S. Department of Justice working closely with Nigerian authorities to ensure the return of the stolen assets. This development is seen as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to combating corruption and fostering transparency in public administration