Nigeria has signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates for the recovery of funds stolen by Nigerian officials.The deal is covered under the Judicial Agreement on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, and Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters, which includes the recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth.The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Justice, ABUBAKAR MALAMI and his counterpart in the United Arab Emirates, Sultan BIN SAEED ALBADI.Also; Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, KEMI ADEOSUN and the UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, OBAID ATTAYAR signed the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.The Minister of Trade and Investment, OKECHUKWU ENELAMAH also signed the Agreement on Trade Promotion and Protection with the UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs.In all; both parties signed six agreements to enhance bilateral relations, which were witnessed by President MUHAMMADU BUHARI and the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN.Addressing an audience at a reception after the signing of ceremony, President BUHARI reassured of his commitment to the fight against corruption and to restore Nigeria’s dignity in the comity of nations.BUHARI also urged all Islamic countries to support the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and denounce the atrocities of Boko Haram as un-Islamic and against the teachings of the Holy Prophet.
In his remarks, Crown Prince ZAYED AL NAHYAN said BUHARI’s visit will strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.The outcome of the events in Abu Dhabi was contained in a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President of Media and Publicity, FEMI ADESINA.
