Debbie Palmer, Head of the Nigeria office of the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), says an estimated $32 billion was lost under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Palmer said this during an event organised by the Youngstars Foundation Initiative (YFI) as part of activities to mark the 2017 International Anti-Corruption day, in Abuja.
According to Palmer, the amount represents about 15 percent of the total revenue earned by the Nigerian government within the period. She even said it could be more.
“An independent report estimates that up to $32 billion was lost to corruption under the previous government,” Palmer said.
“This is around 15 percent of state resources during the period and could well be an underestimate. So the estimate is that nearly 16 per cent of the previous government’s money was lost to corruption.
“That is a staggering amount of money. And that is money that belongs to all of you and to your future. That is why we all should care about corruption.
“Millions of dollars also remain in other jurisdictions tied up in legal challenges.”
Palmer said Nigerian youths must strongly support the ongoing anti-corruption drive of the Muhammadu Buhari government.
She also reiterated that the government of the United Kingdom will continue to support all forms of anti-corruption movements in Nigeria.
– Source: International Centre for Investigative Reporting, December 11, 2017
