Buhari closes in on foreign stash as he signs pacts with UAE

The federal government Tuesday signed bilateral agreements on trade, finance, and judicial matters with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, and the pact was witnessed the Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammed bn Zayed Al Nahyan.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, from UAE, said that Nigeria’s ministers of finance, trades and investment, and justice signed the respective agreements on behalf of the federal government.

While the agreement on trade was to promote investments and business dealings amongst the two countries, the judicial bilateral agreement will enable the country to extradite, or transfer persons serving jail terms.

A number of Nigerians alleged to be corrupt have been stashing their wealth in the UAE over the years. And some, including former governor of Delta, James Ibori, Oceanic Bank ex-MD, and the immediate past Customs boss, Abdullahi Dikko, ex-head of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, have had reason to bolt there for asylum.

Speaking at a reception after the signing of the agreements, President Muhammadu Buhari re-affirmed his commitment to fighting corruption and restoring 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.

Prince Zayed Al Nahyan said the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE will be strengthened by  Buhari’s visit and the signing of the agreements.