The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has acknowledged the repatriation of $52.88 million in recovered assets linked to former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke by the United States government.
In a statement signed by Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, the organization noted the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian and US governments in securing the return of the funds and stressed the need for transparent and accountable utilization.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, urged the Federal Government to ensure that the recovered assets are used for tangible development projects that directly benefit the public.
“According to the Minister of Justice, the bulk of the recovered funds will be used to finance rural electrification through the World Bank. However, we seek more details regarding this plan. For example, will government agencies be involved? How much of the funds will reach the citizens?” Rafsanjani questioned.
He also expressed concern over the 2025 budget, highlighting allocations for luxury items that do not align with the nation’s economic challenges.
“We need greater transparency about the utilization of these funds, along with the full terms of the agreement between all parties,” he added.
CISLAC called for adherence to the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022, emphasizing the need for openness in communicating details about asset recoveries. The organization stressed that citizens must be able to track the impact of these funds to ensure accountability.
“If these funds are not used transparently for the benefit of Nigerians, suspicions of re-looting will inevitably arise. The era of mismanaging recovered assets must end,” warned Rafsanjani.
The group emphasized that the visible and impactful use of recovered funds is essential to restoring public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
Rafsanjani noted, “This recovery is a positive outcome of CISLAC’s global advocacy efforts, alongside those of other partners. We will continue to support initiatives aimed at ensuring justice, accountability, and socio-economic development.”
CISLAC urged the government to build on this progress by pursuing other pending asset recovery cases and ensuring that all proceeds are directed toward improving the lives of Nigerians.
