National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Olumide Olusegun
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the Federal Government to ensure that the $52.88 million repatriated funds linked to former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke are used for meaningful development projects that will directly benefit Nigerians.
Recalled that the funds resulted from the forfeiture of the Galactica assets connected to Alison-Madueke and her associates.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jnr., led a delegation to sign the Asset Return Agreement at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja on Friday.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, signed on behalf of the Nigerian government, emphasising this achievement as part of President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption efforts.
While commending the cooperation between Nigeria and the US in securing the return of the funds, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, stressed the need for transparency and accountability in managing the recovered assets.
Rafsanjani stated, “The Justice Minister mentioned that most of the recovered funds will go toward rural electrification through the World Bank. We, however, seek more clarity on this plan. What agencies will be involved? How much of the funds will actually reach the people?”
He also raised concerns over the 2025 national budget, which allocates large amounts for items like vehicles, which do not address Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges or widespread hunger.
“We need greater transparency about how these funds will be spent and full disclosure of the terms of the asset return agreement,” he added.
CISLAC further called for adherence to the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022, urging the government to ensure openness in the process of asset recovery.
The organisation emphasised that Nigerians must be able to track the impact of these funds to ensure accountability.
Rafsanjani warned, “If these funds are not used transparently for the benefit of Nigerians, suspicions of re-looting will arise. The era of mismanaging recovered assets must end.”
He reaffirmed CISLAC’s commitment to ensuring that looted funds are recovered and properly utilized for national development.
“This recovery is a positive outcome of CISLAC’s global advocacy, along with the support of our partners. We will continue to promote justice, accountability, and socio-economic development,” he stated.
CISLAC also urged the Federal Government to build on this success by pursuing other pending asset recovery cases, ensuring that all recovered proceeds are used to improve the lives of Nigerians.
