News
SERAP Asks US not to Hand Abacha’s $458m to FG

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), leading Nigerian rights group has petitioned the United States Justice Department urging it to give nearly half a billion dollars, alleged corrupt proceeds from late Gen. Sani Abacha, late head of State and his associates to charities instead of the federal government.
SERAP argued that “There is a strong probability that the money will be re-stolen” if the frozen funds are returned to the Nigerian government”
The seizure said to largest such action in US history saw the freezing of more than $458 million in bank accounts around the world, with another court order to recover at least $100 million more.
Adetokunbo Mumuni, executive director of the rights group told AP, that the money should be used to improve the lives of the people from whom it was stolen and that such fund could help unblock billions more banked by deceased Gen. Sani Abacha and held by countries reluctant to return it.
Delays perpetuate the corruption, he said, “Otherwise what we have is a vicious cycle of corruption, poverty and of course impunity of perpetrators.”
U.S. lawyers for his organization on last week asked the U.S. attorney general to publish a proposal to dispose of more than $458 million in assets frozen by the U.S. Justice Department last month as corrupt proceeds in the name of Abacha, a son who is a Nigerian politician and an associate who is now a federal senator.
The petition suggested that the Department of Justice consider the integrity of the Nigerian government and its anti-corruption safeguards and asks “under what circumstances the department would prefer to repatriate such funds to a charitable organization for public benefit purposes, e.g. health care, in the victim country.”
It suggests giving the money to Nigerian charities or U.S. charities working in this country.
Repatriation of frozen assets is not automatic, said one of the rights project’s pro-bono lawyers, Alexander W. Sierck of Washington D.C.-based Cameron LLP. “The U.S. Department of Justice has substantial discretion here, both as to whether to repatriate and to whom,” he told the AP in an email.
Nigerian and foreign human rights organizations charge that some of the $505.5 million dollars repatriated from Swiss banks holding Abacha’s funds already have been misused.
“Almost half of the money that was sent out disappeared once again,” said Olivier Longchamp of Switzerland’s Berne Declaration advocacy group. He said not all the money was necessarily stolen, but it could not be tracked.
The Berne Declaration in November published a report accusing two Swiss commodity traders and the state-controlled Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. of defrauding Nigeria’s government of some $6.8 billion from oil sales between 2009 and 2011.
News
UK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria

In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
News
EFCC Witness Admits Writing Off Arik Air’s $2.3M Debt Amid N76Bn Fraud Trial


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