Emmanuel OchayiPresident Bola Tinubu has extended Nigeria’s appreciation to France for the return of $150 million, previously embezzled by former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha. This development was announced by Catherine Colonna, the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, who paid a visit to the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
Tinubu expressed his gratitude in a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity. He stated: “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.”
The repatriation of the Abacha loot, though long overdue, was welcomed by both nations. Minister Colonna commented: “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.” This return of stolen funds demonstrates France’s commitment to justice and international cooperation.
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In addition to the repatriation of the funds, the two nations celebrated the approval of a €100 million agreement aimed at bolstering the i-DICE program. i-DICE is a Federal Government initiative focused on promoting investments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Creative Arts Industries.
The agreement was signed by Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Technology, and the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs during a ceremony in Abuja.
President Tinubu commended the deepening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and France, highlighting the progress made since his official visit to Paris immediately after his inauguration.
This sequence of events not only marks the return of funds to Nigeria but also underscores the strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
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