The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called upon the incoming United States President, Donald Trump, to assist in the identification and return of US-based proceeds of corruption linked to former and current Nigerian public officials. SERAP has urged Trump to direct the US Department of Justice to initiate civil asset forfeiture proceedings against such proceeds to support Nigeria in asset recovery efforts.
SERAP also emphasized the importance of identifying and disclosing the names of Nigerian officials suspected of corruption and depositing the proceeds in US banks. They proposed applying existing US presidential proclamations to temporarily prohibit these officials from entering the US.
In a letter signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, it was highlighted that the returned assets, including those of former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, represent only a fraction of the estimated $500 billion stolen from Nigeria and possibly held in the US.
The organization reiterated the significance of returning corruption proceeds to Nigeria to combat poverty and achieve Sustainable Development Goals, in compliance with the UN Convention against Corruption. SERAP stressed the need for the US to fulfill its obligations by tracing, freezing, and returning stolen assets to the Nigerian people.
Addressing corruption is crucial for sustainable development, the rule of law, and socio-economic rights in Nigeria. SERAP emphasized that implementing the recommended measures would help tackle governance challenges in the country.