The Federal Government has expressed happiness over the decision by Jersey, a self-governing British Crown Dependency, to return over $9.5 million in assets identified as proceeds of corruption to Nigeria. The funds are earmarked to support the completion of the Abuja–Kano Road, a 375-kilometre highway linking the nation’s capital to Kano, the country’s second-largest city.

The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025 by Mark Temple KC, Attorney General for Jersey, and confirmed in Abuja on January 9, 2026. The repatriation follows a forfeiture order issued by the Royal Court of Jersey in January 2024 after determining that the money was likely diverted by third-party contractors to benefit senior Nigerian officials and their associates.

This latest return builds on previous agreements between Nigeria and Jersey that have already repatriated over $300 million to fund major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge, both of which have been completed.

Attorney General for Jersey, Mark Temple KC, described the recovery as a success, highlighting the strength of civil forfeiture legislation in combating corruption. He thanked Nigerian authorities and the Economic Crime and Confiscation Unit in his department for their cooperation.

Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, commended Jersey for the collaboration and assured that the funds would be used transparently and in accordance with the MoU. He added that the repatriation demonstrates the effectiveness of Nigeria’s partnership with international agencies in ensuring that illicitly acquired assets have no safe haven abroad.

The returned funds will now contribute to the final stages of the Abuja–Kano Road, a vital project expected to enhance trade, connectivity, and regional development upon completion.