Thu. Feb 13th, 2025

CISLAC Commends Repatriation of $52.88M Recovered Assets, Demands Transparency

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has commended the United States government for repatriating $52.88 million in assets linked to Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. The organization also praised the collaboration between the Nigerian and US governments, describing the milestone as a significant victory in the fight against corruption.

In a statement released by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC urged the Federal Government to ensure the transparent and accountable utilization of the recovered funds. Rafsanjani emphasized the need for these funds to be directed toward development projects that directly benefit the Nigerian populace.

“According to the Minister of Justice, the majority of the funds will be allocated to rural electrification projects through the World Bank,” Rafsanjani stated. “However, more details are needed about how these funds will be managed. Will government agencies play a role, and how much will genuinely reach the citizens?”

He expressed concerns about the proposed 2025 budget, which allocates substantial sums to what he described as frivolous expenses, including luxury cars. Rafsanjani noted that such allocations fail to reflect Nigeria’s economic challenges and the urgent need to address widespread hunger.

CISLAC called for adherence to the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022 to ensure openness in managing recovered assets. The organization underscored that transparent and impactful use of the funds would restore public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

Rafsanjani warned against the potential re-looting of recovered assets, urging the government to end the era of mismanagement. “If these funds are not used transparently for the benefit of Nigerians, public confidence will erode, and suspicions of re-looting will emerge,” he cautioned.

CISLAC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the recovery of looted assets and their proper utilization for national development. Rafsanjani highlighted the organization’s global advocacy efforts in achieving this recovery and pledged continued support for initiatives promoting justice, accountability, and socio-economic progress.

The organization also urged the government to pursue other pending asset recovery cases and to ensure that all proceeds are channeled toward improving the lives of Nigerians.

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