France has revealed plans to return the $150 million stolen and hidden in its country by the former Head of State, the late General Sani Abacha.
This was announced by the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Mrs. Catherine Colonna, in Abuja on Friday, News About Nigeria reports.
The minister stated that the assets, which have been frozen in France since 2021, would be returned as a grant. According to Colonna, this is in response to the request submitted by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Justice and is in agreement with the US Administration.
Colonna further disclosed that plans are underway to ensure the money is put to good use and utilized, adding that discussions to allocate the $150 million to development projects benefiting the population, in accordance with the priorities of the Nigerian government, will soon begin.
According to her, her mission in the country was to acclimatize herself with the new government and reaffirm France’s commitment to strengthening its cooperation with Nigeria in all areas.
She also reiterated France’s commitment to boosting the country’s economy, noting that Nigeria, which is Africa’s leading nation, is also France’s primary trade partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Colonna revealed that French foreign direct investments in Nigeria have doubled over the last ten years and now exceed 10 billion euros.
She emphasized France’s dedication to furthering its relationship with the Giant of Africa, Nigeria, and mentioned that one way the French government has shown its commitment to fostering a good relationship with the country is by investing in the Nigerian economy, with over 100 French companies currently operating in the country.
