The Federal Government and the U.S. Government have signed an agreement for the repatriation of not less than 52.88 million dollars of forfeited corruption proceeds to Nigeria.

Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja,

Ebienfa stated that the agreement was signed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.

He further stated that the signing of the agreement marked a significant shared investment in Nigeria’s development and strengthened partnership between the nations.

According to him the Federal Government of Nigeria and the U.S. Government are pleased to announce an agreement to promptly repatriate approximately 52.88 million dollars in forfeited corruption proceeds.

“These funds were forfeited to the U.S. as part of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice.

“This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the U.S. to combat corruption and recover misappropriated assets.

“Also, through court proceedings ending in 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s International Corruption Unit, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation successfully forfeited various high-value assets.

“These include the super yacht Galactica Star and prime real estate in California and New York.”

He explained that the forfeited assets were illegally acquired through funds linked to money laundering and conspiracy to bribe former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

He further stated that Nigerian authorities played a vital role by providing substantial assistance to the U.S. investigation.

“Both nations emphasise the importance of responsible and effective use of these funds, incorporating mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.

“Under the agreement signed today, the recovered funds will be used to finance electrification projects in Nigeria and international efforts to combat terrorism.

“The U.S. government remains steadfast in its commitment to combating corruption and money laundering.

“Similarly, the Federal Government of Nigeria remains dedicated to promoting accountability and good governance, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in the fight against corruption.

“Both governments reiterate their commitment to transparency and the responsible use of recovered assets to benefit the Nigerian people.” 

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to repair the stretch of Iganmu Bridge (Lagos bound), Eric Moore Road, Babs Animashaun Road and Baale Junction (Badagry bound) on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made this known in a statement on Friday.

“The repair work will be done in phases, with phase one – stretch from Alagba Junction to Baale Junction on service lane (Badagry bound)  – commencing from Dec. 22, 2024, to end on Jan. 22, 2025.

“Motorists are enjoined to use alternative routes as follows:

“Motorists inward Orile Community from Iganmu Bridge (on the service lane) will be diverted to Alagba Street to link Imalenfe-Alafia Street to connect Savage Lane to Baale Street, down to Kekere-Ekun Street/Tokosi Street, to access Lagos-Badagry Expressway to continue their journeys.

“Motorists from Iganmu Bridge to Apapa-Oshodi Expressway will continue their journeys on toll lane to exit at Coker to link Akinwande Street to connect Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to access their destinations,” he said.

He said that motorists from Iganmu Bridge heading to the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway would continue on toll lane to link Alaba Interchange Bridge to connect Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to continue their journeys.

The commissioner said that motorists from Iganmu Bridge heading to Badagry would continue their journeys on the toll lane.

“Traffic diversion for other phases will be announced by the Ministry of Transportation as and when due.

“Motorists are implored to be patient during the diversion,” he further said. 

 The Senate has issued a warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its committee on works.

The warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar- Odukpani-Itu highway.

The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

Ngwu, in the motion, said that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct an investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.

He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar- Odukpani-Itu highway project, despite receiving substantial public funds.

He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.

Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.

He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.

The senate further ruled that the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.

Akpabio said that the Senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.

“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.

“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.

“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.

“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.