U.S. returns $52.88 million linked to former Nigerian minister

The United States government has officially returned $52.88 million linked to former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, marking a significant step in international anti-corruption efforts.

The recovered funds, traced to forfeited assets connected to Galactica, a company associated with Madueke and her network, were handed over during a formal agreement signing on Friday. The event took place at the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, with U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. representing the American government, while Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, led the Nigerian delegation.

In a joint statement, both governments emphasized that the returned money will be managed with transparency and accountability. The World Bank and the International Institute for Justice (IIJ) will oversee its allocation to ensure it is used for developmental projects that benefit Nigerians. The initiative aligns with global anti-corruption standards, reinforcing commitments to combat financial crimes and promote good governance.

The latest recovery adds to the series of international efforts aimed at retrieving public funds looted during Alison-Madueke’s tenure as Minister of Petroleum Resources, a period marred by multiple corruption allegations and financial scandals.