World Bank Regrets Delay In Disclosing Abacha Loot Disbursement

The World Bank has asked for more time to provide details on how it disbursed the assets recovered from late maximum ruler, Gen Sani Abacha and how same was used by Nigerian authorities.

The bank made the disclosure following a request by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)  for information on the handling of assets recovered from the late Head of State.

In a letter dated October 15, 2015, the World Bank through Ann May of its Access to Information Team, AIT wrote:

“In response to your request under AI3982, we would like to inform you that we are still considering your request and need additional time to provide you with a more comprehensive response.

“In most cases, we will be able to respond within twenty (20) working days from receipt of a request for information. However, we may need additional time in special circumstances, for example, if the request is complex or voluminous or if it requires further review by or consultation with internal World Bank units, external parties, the Access to Information Committee, or the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors.

“We regret any inconvenience that a delay may cause you and, if one does occur, will aim to minimize it as much as possible. We will notify you promptly of any updates to the status of your request. Thank you for your interest in the World Bank."

Tokunbo Mumuni, SERAP's Executive Director welcomed the decision of the World Bank to do a thorough job on their request. He said ;

“We welcome the Bank’s decision to thoroughly consider the request. This thorough process shows the seriousness the Bank attaches to the request, and will hopefully contribute to a positive outcome that will serve the interest of justice and millions of Nigerians who want to know about disbursement of Abacha loot.”

SERAP had pursuant to the World Bank’s Access to Information Policy approved by the Board on June 30, 2005, sent an access to information request on 21 September 2015 to Jim Yong Kim, President, World Bank Group urging him to “exercise the Bank’s prerogative to release documents relating to spending of recovered assets stolen by Late General Sani Abacha”.