President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is constituting an inter-ministerial committee to identify the best projects and programmes in which to invest the Euro 167 million ($227 million) from the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein, part of looted funds recovered from the Abacha family.

This was announced this afternoon by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who said the move by the President is aimed “to ensure the proper utilization of the funds.” Okonjo-Iweala in a statement signed by his Special Adviser Paul C Nwabuikwu confirmed that Nigeria will received the recovered loot on June 25, 2014.

Part of the statement said: “The President has also directed that part of the funds be saved in the Future Generations Fund, one of the Funds managed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to help secure the economic future of both Nigerian youths and unborn Nigerians.

“In line with the agreement reached with the Principality of Liechtenstein, the World Bank will assist in monitoring the utilization of the funds in specific projects.

“The return of the funds is the culmination of a robust 16-year effort by the Federal Government of Nigeria to retrieve the funds.

“Working under the leadership of President Jonathan, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Muhammad Adokie-led the effort with support from the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retired).

“The return of the funds was delayed by the suit instituted at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) by companies owned by the Abachas alleging infringement of their rights to a fair trial and to peaceful enjoyment of their possessions. As a result, the Principality of Liechtenstein could not proceed with the return of the funds.

“To demonstrate the commitment of the Federal Government to retrieving the funds which belong to the Nigerian people, the Attorney-General of the Federation also filed a suit against Mr Mohammed Abacha before the Abuja High Court.

“As part of the negotiations to expedite the recovery of the funds, the Abachas agreed to discontinue their suit before the ECHR. The Federal Government also equally subsequently withdrew the case against the Abachas, paving the way for the release of the looted funds by Liechtenstein.”

•Photo shows President Jonathan.

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