U.S. Government Questions President Tinubu’s Commitment to Fighting Corruption After Appointing Atiku Bagudu as Minister

The U.S. government has raised concerns about Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fighting corruption, citing the appointment of Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, a figure with a well-documented history of corruption, as a minister. Bagudu, who was linked to the embezzlement of hundreds of millions of dollars during his association with the late Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha, was appointed as Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, raising questions about Tinubu’s stance on anti-corruption efforts.

In its 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Nigeria, the U.S. government highlighted Bagudu’s role in helping Abacha steal substantial funds from the Nigerian treasury during the 1990s. Despite Bagudu’s tainted record, President Tinubu nominated him for a ministerial position, which was approved by the Nigerian Senate without any objections.

The report also underscored that President Tinubu’s nearly one-year tenure showed no significant difference in terms of corruption and human rights practices compared to his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. Bagudu’s appointment, despite his controversial background, suggests that Tinubu’s administration may not be fully committed to addressing corruption, which has long been a major issue in Nigerian politics.

Further compounding the controversy, Bagudu reportedly attempted to block the repatriation of $150 million in stolen funds from France unless he received a 20% cut, claiming an interest in the funds. The Tinubu administration agreed to pay Bagudu $30 million to facilitate the repatriation, indicating his continued influence within the government.

Bagudu’s continued role in Tinubu’s cabinet has drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers. The U.S. government’s concerns highlight the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in its fight against corruption and raise doubts about the current administration’s ability to address these issues effectively.

Given these developments, the U.S. government and other Western allies are closely monitoring Tinubu’s administration, urging greater transparency and accountability in Nigerian governance. Bagudu’s appointment and his subsequent actions suggest that President Tinubu’s approach to corruption might not align with international expectations, leading to further scrutiny and skepticism regarding Nigeria’s commitment to reform.