ANEEJ applauds repatriation of $9.75m from Jersey, promises comprehensive monitoring of fund utilization

From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has expressed its appreciation for the repatriation of $9,750,992.41 in funds acquired through corruption.

This money, transferred from the Bailiwick of Jersey, will be used to finance critical infrastructure projects in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. While praising the transparent approach of the Government of Jersey, ANEEJ urges the Nigerian government to reciprocate by publicly disclosing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that governs the utilization of these funds.

In a press statement issued in Benin City, ANEEJ Executive Director Rev. David Ugolor commended Jersey’s Law Officers’ Department for its decision to publish the MoU and related project information on its official website, including implementation details and contact information for responsible officials.

He called on the Nigerian authorities to publish the same document on the Federal Ministry of Justice’s website to enhance transparency and public accountability, in line with the principles of the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR).

“We commend the Jersey Law Officers’ Department for demonstrating openness by publishing the Memorandum of Understanding with complete project details and implementation arrangements.

“We strongly encourage the Nigerian government to publish the MoU on the Federal Ministry of Justice’s website to foster transparency, accountability, and public trust, as recommended by GFAR principles,” Ugolor stated.

ANEEJ particularly welcomed the provision in the MoU that allows the Government of Nigeria to engage a civil society organization as an independent third-party monitor to oversee the implementation of the projects financed with the recovered assets.

“The involvement of civil society organizations in monitoring the use of recovered assets aligns with GFAR Principle 10, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and stakeholder participation.

This oversight provides citizens with feedback mechanisms and ensures that recovered funds are utilized for their intended public benefit. Additionally, ANEEJ will independently monitor the project’s implementation and make its findings available to the public,” Ugolor added.

According to the terms of the MoU, the repatriated funds will be allocated to the final stages of the Abuja–Kano Road project, a 375-kilometer highway that serves as a strategic transportation corridor linking Nigeria’s capital city with its second-largest commercial center.

The project is expected to improve mobility, stimulate economic activity, and enhance national integration.

ANEEJ reiterated that asset recovery should extend beyond mere restitution to result in tangible development outcomes for Nigerians, particularly through transparent processes that enable citizens to track how recovered funds are allocated and their subsequent impact.

“Recovered assets must deliver visible benefits to Nigerians. Transparency for citizens to track the flow of funds from recovery through allocation, implementation,n and results.

ANEEJ remains committed to collaborating with government institutions, international partners, and citizens to ensure that recovered assets are managed transparently, accountably, and in the public interest,” Ugolor concluded.

It is noteworthy that in January 2024, the Royal Court of Jersey ruled that the funds were “more likely than not” derived from a corrupt scheme involving the diversion of Nigerian government resources by contractors for the benefit of senior public officials and their associates.

Following forfeiture, the funds were deposited into Jersey’s Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund before being repatriated to Nigeria in accordance with international asset recovery standards.