The United States (U.S.) will assist Nigeria to repatriate its fund stashed abroad by corrupt public office holders and politicians, its Special Representative to Muslim communities Shaarik Zafar said yesterday.
Zafar, who spoke in an interactive session with reporters in Kano, explained that the U.S. was committed to fast-tracking the process of bringing back the stolen money.
According to him, “before the stolen money could be brought back to Nigeria, certain legal procedures needed to be followed and that is what the U.S. is facilitating.’’
Zafar was optimistic that the fight against corruption in Nigeria would succeed.
He was in the city for an inaugural workshop on anti-corruption tool for religious leaders.
The workshop was organised by Zafar’s Office under the U.S. Department of State.
He said if corruption could be effectively tackled, the country would witness socio-economic growth.
“I am optimistic that if corruption can be tackled, the trend is positive for Nigeria based on the commitment,’’ Zafar said.
According to him, the U.S. was committed toward assisting Nigeria in the fight against corruption.
He added: “Nigeria’s success is America’s success; hence our decision to work with government, civil society organisations and religious groups on areas to prevent corruption.”
The U.S. envoy said the workshop would address how religious communities could work together to combat corruption, promote accountability and encourage transparency.
“I have a global mandate. So, I will encourage a continued focus by religious leaders on the critical challenge of combating corruption. This is not only because of their moral voice. Critically, religious leaders speak a common language with their communities.
“They also have incomparable access, unique networks and level of respect that can help in this common battle against corruption and to promote accountability,” Zafar stated.