Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna is set to visit Nigeria on Friday to discuss the restitution of assets embezzled by former president Sani Abacha. The visit comes as part of France’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and support Nigerian authorities in recovering stolen funds.
During her visit, Minister Colonna will meet with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss the progress made in returning the stolen assets to Nigeria. The meeting will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and finding practical solutions to expedite the restitution process.
Nigeria has been battling to recover assets looted by Abacha, who was president from 1993 until his death in 1998. It is estimated that Abacha and his associates stole billions of dollars from the Nigerian treasury during his regime. Since his death, Nigeria has made significant progress in repatriating funds from various countries, including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The French government has been actively supporting Nigeria’s efforts in recovering these stolen assets. In 2020, France returned $5.5 million to Nigeria, which was part of the funds illicitly acquired by Abacha. This gesture demonstrated France’s commitment to fighting corruption and its support for Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, expressed his appreciation for France’s cooperation in the restitution process. He stated, “France has consistently shown its commitment to combating corruption and supporting Nigeria’s efforts to recover stolen assets. We hope that Minister Colonna’s visit will further strengthen our collaboration and accelerate the recovery process.”
International experts have praised Nigeria’s determination and progress in recovering stolen assets. Sarah Chayes, an expert on corruption and governance, stated, “Nigeria’s efforts to recover stolen assets are commendable. It sends a strong message that there are consequences for those who engage in corruption and looting of public funds.”
The restitution of Abacha’s assets is crucial for Nigeria’s development and the fight against corruption. These funds could be used to finance infrastructure projects, healthcare initiatives, and education programs, benefiting millions of Nigerians.
As Minister Colonna arrives in Nigeria, there is hope that her visit will pave the way for greater collaboration between the two countries in repatriating the stolen assets. The restitution of Abacha’s ill-gotten gains would not only be a significant victory against corruption but also a testament to the commitment of both France and Nigeria in upholding transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, the visit of French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna to Nigeria highlights the continued efforts to repatriate assets embezzled by former president Sani Abacha. The collaboration between France and Nigeria in recovering stolen funds signifies a joint commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance. As the restitution process progresses, it offers hope for a brighter future for Nigeria and its people.
