The Federal Government is set to this week sign a tripartite agreement with the United States of America (USA) and the Island of New Jersey for the repatriation of $321 million looted by late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha. Dr. Umar Gwandu, spokesperson of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) made the disclosure in a statement, saying the AGF would sign the agreement during a three-day meeting in Washington DC, on behalf of the Federal Government.
“At the meeting, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is expected to, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, sign a tripartite agreement with Nigeria, the Island of New Jersey and the United States of America for repatriation of $321m looted assets, as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to recover more stolen funds stashed abroad,” the statement read.
According to Gwandu, the United States-Nigeria Bi-national Commission meeting is an annual event where Nigeria and the U.S review bilateral relationships and take diplomatic steps towards advancing their mutual interests.
Among the Nigerian delegation to the meeting include, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo;
Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.), and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development; Sadiya Umar Faruk.
(Punch)
