Presidency announces return of $150m Abacha loot from France

The presidency has said that France will return $150 million looted by former Nigerian military head of state, General Sani Abacha.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said this in statement on Friday, adding that President Bola Tinubu commended France for 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.