Tinubu meets Macron's rep as France prepares to return $150m Abacha loot

Nurudeen Shotayo 09:54 - 03 November 2023

President Bola meets Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France, Catherine Colonnade [Presidency]

Tinubu vowed that his government would make judicious use of the money to attain Nigeria's development objectives.

The Presidency has announced France's readiness to return to Nigeria the $150 million looted by former military leader General Sani Abacha.⁣⁣

Disclosing this in a statement on Friday, November 3, 2023, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu commended the European nation for the move.⁣.

Ngelale said the French government's decision to return the loot was conveyed by the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Catherine Colonna, during her meeting with the Nigerian president on Friday.⁣

The highly-elated Tinubu lauded the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and France, noting that this progress followed his visit to Paris after his inauguration.⁣⁣

“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 President was quoted as saying.⁣

Tinubu welcomed the growing cooperation between the two countries in areas of shared interest, such as climate change, economic integration, education, and culture, while stressing the need to reinforce collaboration on all fronts.⁣