The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to identify and return U.S.-based proceeds of corruption linked to former and current Nigerian public officials.
SERAP urged Trump to direct the U.S. Department of Justice to initiate civil asset forfeiture proceedings against these proceeds to fulfill non-controversial commitments by the U.S. to assist Nigeria in asset recovery efforts.
The organization also requested that Trump publish the names of Nigerian public officials suspected of corruption and apply existing U.S. presidential proclamations to temporarily ban these officials from entering the U.S.
In a letter signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization noted that former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke’s looted assets were merely a small fraction of the estimated “over $500 billion” that has been reportedly stolen from Nigeria and located in the U.S.
This request follows the recent return of $52.88 million in forfeited corruption proceeds linked to Alison-Madueke. SERAP emphasized that their requests are made in the public interest and align with the United Nations Convention against Corruption, to which both the U.S. and Nigeria are state parties.
“Proceeds of corruption from Nigeria continue to be deposited in U.S. banks or in other locations subject to U.S. jurisdictions,” SERAP stated. They expressed hope that the incoming administration would address legal impediments allowing corrupt officials to conceal their ill-gotten assets.
“Returning proceeds of corruption to Nigeria is a development imperative. By doing so, the U.S. would contribute to efforts aimed at reducing poverty in the country and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” SERAP added.
The organization highlighted that the U.S. has obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption to trace, freeze, and seize proceeds of corruption located in the U.S. and to return those assets to the Nigerian people.
SERAP expressed concern that corruption remains a significant obstacle to sustainable development and effective enjoyment of socio-economic rights in Nigeria. They believe that implementing their recommendations would help address these governance challenges
