The Nigerian presidency has announced that France will be returning $150 million that was looted by former Nigerian military head of state, General Sani Abacha. President Bola Tinubu expressed his gratitude to France for this decision during a meeting with the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna. He commended the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and France and expressed optimism about the judicious use of the repatriated funds for development purposes.
President Tinubu also welcomed the growing cooperation between the two countries in various areas of mutual interest, including climate change, economic integration, education, and culture. He acknowledged the signing of a €100 million agreement between Nigeria and France to support the i-DICE program, a Federal Government initiative aimed at promoting investment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the Creative Arts Industries.
Regarding the return of the Abacha loot, the French Presidential Envoy mentioned that the repatriation process had been lengthy but was now successfully concluded, emphasizing the importance of achieving justice, even if it takes time.