The Bailiwick of Jersey and Nigeria have joined forces once again in an inspiring partnership that proves international cooperation can create real change for millions of people. His Majesty's Attorney General for Jersey, Mark Temple KC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2025 to return more than $9.5 million in recovered funds to Nigeria, with the agreement formally confirmed in Abuja this month.

This latest success story adds another chapter to a remarkable collaboration between the two nations. Together, Jersey and Nigeria have now repatriated more than $300 million in recovered assets, demonstrating that persistence and partnership can triumph over corruption. The previous funds have already transformed lives by completing two major infrastructure projects: the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge, both now serving millions of Nigerian commuters and businesses.

The newly recovered $9.5 million will support the final stages of the Abuja-Kano Road, a 375-kilometer highway that serves as a vital transport link between Nigeria's capital and its second-largest city. This essential route will improve travel, boost commerce, and strengthen connections between communities across the region.

The funds were forfeited following a January 2024 decision by the Royal Court of Jersey, which determined that money held in a Jersey bank account was linked to a corrupt scheme involving diverted government funds. Rather than letting these assets disappear, Jersey's robust anti-corruption framework ensured they would be returned to benefit the Nigerian people who were ultimately harmed by the original theft.

Temple celebrated the achievement as proof that determined cooperation yields results. "This successful return demonstrates the strength of our civil forfeiture legislation as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption," he said, thanking both Nigerian authorities and Jersey's Economic Crime and Confiscation Unit for their unwavering commitment to justice.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of this partnership extends far beyond the dollar amounts. Every mile of improved highway means safer journeys for families, faster routes for emergency services, and better access to economic opportunities for communities that have long been underserved. The completed Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Second Niger Bridge already connect millions of Nigerians more efficiently, reducing travel time and supporting economic growth.

Nigeria's Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi welcomed the development with enthusiasm, emphasizing that it demonstrates there is no safe haven for illicitly acquired wealth. "The successful recovery and repatriation of the forfeited assets underscores the effectiveness of Nigeria's collaborative efforts with its international partners," Fagbemi said, assuring Jersey authorities that the funds would be used judiciously according to the agreement's terms.

This ongoing partnership between Jersey and Nigeria serves as an inspiring model for other nations, showing that when countries work together with transparency and determination, stolen funds can be transformed into tangible improvements that benefit everyday citizens. As the Abuja-Kano Road nears completion, it will stand as a concrete reminder that justice, when pursued collaboratively, can literally pave the way for a better future.