News
Nigerian Govt Receives $311m Abacha Loot From US, Jersey
The Nigerian government has received $311,797,866.11 recovered loot of General Sani Abacha repatriated from the United States and the Bailiwick of Jersey.
The Attorney-General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, confirmed this on Monday in a statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations at his office, Dr Umar Gwandu.
According to Malami, the amount increased significantly from over $308 million mentioned in an earlier statement in February to over $311million as a result of the interest that accrued from February 3 to April 28, when the fund was transferred to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
He noted that the litigation process for the return of the assets titled ‘Abacha III’ commenced in 2014 while the diplomatic process that culminated in the signing of the Asset Return Agreement commenced in 2018.
The agreement was signed on February 3 by the governments of Nigeria, the United States, and the Bailiwick of Jersey.
“This Agreement is based on international law and cooperation measures, that sets out the procedures for the repatriation, transfer, disposition, and management of the assets,” he said.
According to the statement, the recovery effort consolidates on the record of the Muhammadu Buhari administration which has a history of recovery of $322m from Switzerland in 2018.
It added that the recovered loots were transparently and judiciously deployed in supporting indigent Nigerians as specified in the agreement signed with Switzerland and the World Bank.
Malami, who led the negotiation team, noted that the tripartite agreement and the process towards the implementation represented a major watershed in International Asset Recovery and Repatriation as it sought to provide benefit to the victims of corruption.
He said, “In line with the 2020 Asset Return Agreement, the fund has been transferred to a Central Bank of Nigeria Asset Recovery designated account and would be paid to the National Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) within the next fourteen days.
“The NSIA is responsible for the management and execution of the projects to which the funds will be applied.”
The minister insisted that the latest recovery would support and assist in expediting the construction of three major infrastructure projects across Nigeria – Lagos – Ibadan Expressway, Abuja – Kano Road, and the Second Niger Bridge.
He revealed that the government was in the process of establishing a Project Monitoring Team to oversee the implementation of the projects and report regularly on progress made to the public.
In order to ensure transparent management of the returned assets, Malami said the government would engage a Civil Society Organisation who has combined expertise in substantial infrastructure projects, civil engineering, anti-corruption compliance, anti-human trafficking compliance, and procurement to provide additional monitoring and oversight.
He noted that the process for the engagement of the CSO monitor has already commenced with the adverts placed in two local newspapers.
The recovered funds, according to the minister, were laundered through the U.S. banking system and then held in bank accounts in the Bailiwick of Jersey.
He revealed that a U.S. Federal Court in Washington D.C. forfeited the money in 2014, as property involved in the illicit laundering of the proceeds of corruption arising in Nigeria during the period when General Abacha was Head of State from 1993 to 1998.
Malami added that in 2017, the Nigerian government filed a case in the Bailiwick of Jersey to assert its authority as the owner of the funds and as the victim of the action of General Abacha.
He, therefore, called for greater cooperation and mutual respect among countries in the implementation of expeditious cooperation measures already set out in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and in the implementation of the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles on the repatriation of stolen assets.
The minister assured Nigerians that the government would ensure that the returned assets were transparently managed.
JUST BEFORE YOU GO READ: “We Returned $321m Abacha Loot With $1.5m Interest” – Switzerland
News
Tinubu Announces Fresh Appointments in Key Education Agencies
President Bola Tinubu has approved a new round of leadership appointments across several education agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education, affecting the National Examinations Council (NECO), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Federal Polytechnic N’yak-Shendam in Plateau State, and the National Library of Nigeria.
According to the announcement, Prof Modupe Adeola Adelabu has been appointed as the Chairman of the Governing Board of NECO. Meanwhile, Prof Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi will continue in his role as Registrar of the examination body.
At the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof Babatunde Salako has been named the new Chairman. The current Executive Secretary, Prof Idris M. Bugaje, has also been confirmed for another term in office.
Also Read: BREAKING: Tinubu Reshuffles Cabinet, Drops Wale Edun, Names Oyedele Finance Minister
In Plateau State, Engr Dr Bongfa Binfa has been appointed as the new Rector of the Federal Polytechnic N’yak-Shendam. He succeeds the pioneer rector, Dr Mukaila Zakari Ya’u, whose tenure has come to an end. Dr Binfa’s appointment is for a single term of five years.
Similarly, Prof Chinwe Veronica Anunobi has been reappointed as the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria for another five-year term. She first assumed office in 2021 and will continue to oversee the institution’s operations.
The newly appointed officials bring diverse academic and professional experience to their roles. Prof Adelabu is a retired professor of educational administration and a former deputy governor of Ekiti State. Prof Salako has extensive experience in research and higher education management, including his work at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research.
Dr Binfa, an engineer with a doctorate degree from Malaysia, has held several senior academic positions in federal polytechnics. Prof Anunobi, on her part, has been involved in key reforms at the National Library, particularly in advancing digital initiatives and improving access to national records.
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News
GUO Motors Attack: Driver Killed, 16 Passengers Allegedly Kidnapped on Lagos-Benin Expressway
A driver with GUO Motors has been shot dead and at least 16 passengers reportedly abducted following an attack by suspected bandits along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.
The incident, which has heightened fresh concerns over security on Nigerian highways, occurred when armed assailants intercepted a commercial bus traveling along the busy route. According to eyewitness accounts, the driver was shot while attempting to evade the attackers, leading to the vehicle being overpowered.
Sources familiar with the incident said the gunmen subsequently abducted multiple passengers and fled into nearby bush paths, leaving behind the lifeless body of the driver.
However, in a statement released by GUO Transport, the company disputed parts of the circulating reports, insisting that the bus involved in the attack had been dispatched empty. The company stated that the vehicle was attacked by armed robbers, adding that investigations are ongoing to clarify the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Despite the company’s claim, local sources and preliminary reports suggest that passengers were indeed on board at the time of the attack, raising questions about the conflicting narratives.
Security agencies are yet to release an official statement as of the time of filing this report, but efforts are reportedly underway to track the perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted victims.
The Lagos-Benin Expressway, a critical link between Nigeria’s commercial capital and the South-South region, has in recent years witnessed recurring cases of armed robbery and kidnappings, prompting calls for increased security patrols and surveillance.
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News
BREAKING: Tinubu Reshuffles Cabinet, Drops Wale Edun, Names Oyedele Finance Minister
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council, removing the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, from the cabinet.
The development was disclosed in an official memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Oyedele Takes Over Finance Ministry
According to the memo, Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, replacing Edun.
Oyedele, who previously served as Minister of State in the ministry, has been directed to assume duties immediately, with all handover processes to be completed by April 23, 2026.
Changes in Housing Ministry
In the Housing and Urban Development Ministry, Dangiwa has been asked to step down, while Muttaqha Rabe Darmaha has been named as minister-designate.
The outgoing minister has been instructed to hand over to the Minister of State pending the confirmation of the new nominee.
Reason for Reshuffle
Explaining the decision, Akume said the move is aimed at strengthening governance and improving policy delivery.
“These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.
He added that the President exercised his constitutional powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Presidency Thanks Outgoing Ministers
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the affected ministers for their service, wishing them well in their future endeavours.
The government also signaled that further adjustments could follow as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the administration.
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Jobs
Job Vacancy: Plan International Nigeria Opens Business Development Assistant Role in Abuja
The Plan International has announced a vacancy for the position of Business Development Assistant in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen its fundraising and donor engagement operations.
The role, announced on April 17, 2026, is open until April 27, 2026, and is based in the organisation’s Nigeria country office.
Role Overview
Plan International said the position will support its Business Development Unit in identifying funding opportunities, coordinating proposal development, and managing donor-related information.
The role is designed to strengthen institutional fundraising efforts and ensure efficient coordination across programme, finance, and grants teams in line with the organisation’s country strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Support identification and tracking of funding opportunities
- Maintain and update donor pipeline and databases
- Assist in proposal development and formatting of documents
- Conduct research on donors and funding trends
- Track deadlines and coordinate inputs from internal teams
- Prepare donor-facing materials such as concept notes and presentations
- Support knowledge management and record keeping
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding and protection standards
- Coordinate across programme, finance, and MERL teams
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development studies, economics, business administration, or related fields. A postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
Candidates should have 1–2 years of relevant experience, including internships or entry-level roles in NGOs or development organisations.
Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools are required. Applicants must also demonstrate good communication skills and an understanding of donor funding landscapes.
About Plan International
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation working to promote children’s rights and gender equality in more than 80 countries. The organisation focuses on addressing poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination, with a strong emphasis on supporting girls and vulnerable children.
Application Details
- Job Title: Business Development Assistant
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Closing Date: April 27, 2026
- Organisation: Plan International Nigeria
Candidates are required to submit a CV and cover letter in English. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Plan International emphasised its commitment to safeguarding, diversity, and inclusion, noting that all applicants will undergo strict background checks in line with its child protection policies.
APPLY HERE
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Jobs
Job Vacancy: SEforALL/UNOPS Opens Project Officer (Retainer) Role in Nigeria Energy Transition Drive
The Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), hosted by UNOPS, has announced a vacancy for the position of Project Officer (Nigeria – Retainer) to support Nigeria’s energy transition and investment planning agenda.
The role, based in Nigeria with a home-based arrangement, was published on April 15, 2026, and will close on April 29, 2026.
Role Overview
SEforALL said the position will support the implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition and Investment Plan (ETIP), focusing on accelerating clean energy investments, strengthening coordination among stakeholders, and supporting the country’s shift toward net-zero targets.
The Project Officer will serve as a key liaison between the Government of Nigeria, development partners, and private sector actors, helping to align investment strategies with national energy priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition and Investment Plan (ETIP)
- Support stakeholder engagement between government, investors, and development partners
- Develop and structure energy investment pipelines and project inventories
- Promote blended finance and local currency investment solutions
- Support renewable energy value chain development and industrialisation efforts
- Facilitate investor dialogues and policy discussions on energy reforms
- Work with agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA)
- Support demand stimulation across Nigeria’s energy sector
- Contribute to de-risking frameworks for energy investment projects
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Policy, Economics, Energy, Public Policy, or related fields. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
Candidates should have a minimum of two years’ experience in energy, climate, investment, or related sectors, with strong stakeholder engagement and project coordination skills.
Experience in energy analysis tools such as GIS mapping, LCOE analysis, or results-based management is an advantage.
Knowledge of Nigeria’s energy sector and experience working with government agencies or multilateral organisations such as the UN, World Bank, or AfDB will be highly valued.
Contract Details
- Position: Project Officer (Nigeria – Retainer)
- Location: Home-based (Nigeria)
- Contract Type: ICA – Retainer (up to 120 working days in 12 months)
- Seniority Level: Associate (ICS 08)
- Closing Date: April 29, 2026
About SEforALL
Sustainable Energy for All works globally to accelerate access to sustainable energy, promote energy efficiency, and support climate action in developing countries. The initiative focuses on ending energy poverty and scaling renewable energy investments worldwide.
APPLY HERE
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