President urges US, UK, others to return Nigeria’s looted funds

Buhari said further that the failure to return the money would prevent Nigeria and other developing nations from meeting their needs.

The president made the comments while speaking at a high-level meeting of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said:

“Illicit financial assets stashed abroad deprive developing countries including Nigeria, and invariably deny people the enjoyment of their national wealth and resources needed for development.”

“The non-repatriation of illicit financial assets could impinge on the determination of states to achieve an all-inclusive 2030 sustainable development.”

Buhari therefore urged the UN to “remain vocal and active in addressing the negative impact of non-repatriation of illicit financial assets on their countries of origin,” adding that “as soon as stolen assets are legally established, they should swiftly be repatriated.”

ALSO READ:Buhari arrives New York for UN event following Manhattan explosion

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon has praised Buhari for his leadership style which he says has given Nigeria a positive image around the world.