Civil Society Organisations have urged the Federal Government to ensure transparency in the utilisation of recovered assets.
The call was made by Mr Leo Atakpu, Deputy Executive Director of the African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice, at a forum in Abuja. Atakpu stated that while Nigeria has made progress in recovering assets, concerns persist over the delay in utilising them and limited public disclosure.
He cited the recovery of over $900,000 deployed to primary healthcare facilities and the restitution of about $50 million linked to former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. Atakpu expressed concern that some recovered funds are still lodged in unknown locations, and urged the World Bank, Rural Electrification Agency, and Central Bank of Nigeria to clarify the status of these funds.
Mr Walson Paminola, Vice Chairman of the Bayelsa Non-Governmental Organisation Forum, also spoke at the forum. He stated that delays in the implementation process were largely due to procurement challenges and the inability of initial bidders to meet requirements.
The lack of transparency in Nigeria's asset recovery process is a major concern for Civil Society Organisations. Mr Leo Atakpu's comments highlight the need for periodic public disclosure on the status, location, and utilisation of recovered assets. This would not only address misinformation but also build public trust. The implication is that the Federal Government must take concrete steps to ensure that recovered assets are utilised for the benefit of Nigerians, rather than remaining idle for years.
