The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has applauded a major move by the United Kingdom to send back over $9.5 million in stolen money to Nigeria. The organisation, however, has immediately called on the Federal Government to demonstrate absolute accountability and prudence in using the recovered loot.
A Significant Victory Against Corruption
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and dated 12 January 2026, HEDA described the development as a crucial win in the worldwide battle against corruption and illicit financial flows. The return of the funds follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UK authorities, specifically the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Nigerian government.
HEDA stated that this action strengthens the growing international agreement that there should be no safe haven for the proceeds of corruption, wherever they are hidden. The recovered money was traced to suspicious proceeds of corruption diverted by third-party contractors on behalf of former senior Nigerian officials.
Call for Transparency and Public Scrutiny
While commending the Federal Government and its international partners for the recovery, HEDA urged the authorities to go beyond mere assurances. The group demanded full transparency, public disclosure, and independent monitoring in how the returned funds are utilised.
"Nigerians deserve to see, track, and verify how recovered assets are utilised," Suraju emphasised. He stressed that the government must ensure the funds are judiciously used for landmark projects that bring tangible benefits to citizens, particularly in transportation, social infrastructure, and economic productivity.
Learning from Past Repatriations
The organisation pointed to previous instances where funds repatriated with help from the UK and its Crown Dependencies were reportedly deployed to critical infrastructure. Projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge were cited as examples managed under specific monitoring frameworks.
HEDA noted that this model should be strengthened and improved upon for the current and future recoveries. The group reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the asset recovery process, advocating for stronger anti-corruption safeguards, and collaborating with stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to ensure that recovered public wealth genuinely advances national development and helps restore fast-eroding public trust in governance.
"This recovery represents a clear success for sustained anti-corruption advocacy, particularly in asset recovery and repatriation, which has been one of HEDA’s core campaigns over the years," Suraju concluded.
