Recovered Funds to Drive Renewable Energy Expansion, Counterterrorism Initiatives, and Justice Sector Reforms in Nigeria
In a landmark agreement, the United States has pledged to transfer $52.88 million forfeited from corruption in Nigeria’s oil industry to Nigeria. These funds, recovered from Diezani Alison-Madueke’s loot, will be used to benefit the Nigerian people through renewable energy projects and counterterrorism initiatives.
Strengthening Ties in the Fight Against Corruption

The agreement, signed in Abuja by Nigeria’s Attorney General, Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, and U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr., highlights the close cooperation between both nations. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible emphasized the importance of global partnerships in recovering assets tied to corruption, stating,
“Today’s agreement demonstrates the power of forfeiture in combating corruption and supporting global counterterrorism efforts.”
The Investigation: Unveiling a Web of Corruption
From 2011 to 2015, Nigerian businessmen Kolawole Akanni Aluko and Olajide Omokore conspired with then-Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, using bribes to secure lucrative oil contracts. The proceeds, exceeding $100 million, were laundered through the U.S. and invested in luxury assets, including properties in California and New York and a $65-million superyacht, Galactica Star.
How the Recovered Funds Will Be Used
Under the agreement, the funds will be allocated to two major ways:
Renewable Energy Expansion:
$50 million will be channeled into the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-Up project, an initiative funded partially by the International Development Association. Managed by Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency, this program aims to enhance access to electricity through renewable energy solutions. The project will directly benefit millions of Nigerians, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Counterterrorism Support:
Approximately $2.88 million will fund Nigeria’s contributions to the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ). These funds will strengthen capacity-building for criminal justice professionals in combating terrorism, with a focus on countering terrorism financing. This initiative will also support the development and implementation of the IIJ’s Counter-Terrorism Academic Curriculum, targeting regions in North, West, and East Africa.
Transparency at the Core
To safeguard the proper use of these funds, the agreement includes robust measures for transparency and accountability. The $50 million for electrification projects will be disbursed through a World Bank-managed trust fund, subject to strict oversight, auditing, and public reporting requirements. Similarly, the IIJ programs will be audited externally, with periodic progress updates and reports available to the public.
Global Collaboration Against Corruption
This landmark agreement is the result of years of collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement agencies. The investigation, led by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), was supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to transparency and dismantling corruption.
“By ensuring these funds are repatriated to benefit Nigerians, we demonstrate the collective strength of global law enforcement in tackling corruption and fostering development,” he said.
Chief Guy Ficco of IRS-CI also highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating,
“Restoring stolen resources to the people they were meant to serve is a critical step in promoting prosperity and accountability.”
A Turning Point for Nigeria
This agreement marks a significant step in redirecting stolen resources to address critical infrastructure and security challenges. With these funds, Nigeria will strengthen its energy sector and combat terrorism, fostering development and stability for its people.
By repurposing corruption proceeds for public good, the U.S. and Nigeria are reinforcing global efforts to fight corruption and promote sustainable development.
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