Okonjo-Iweala Reveals How $2.4bn Fuel Subsidy Fraud Probe Led To Mother’s Kidnap

WTO chief says abductors demanded her resignation and exit from Nigeria as mother spent five days in captivity

By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General and former Nigerian Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has revealed how her investigation into an alleged $2.4 billion fuel subsidy fraud exposed her to threats and led to the kidnapping of her mother.

Nigeria Wins UN Human Rights Council Seat With 172 VotesOkonjo-Iweala made the disclosure during an interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua, recounting what she described as one of the most traumatic experiences of her life while serving in government.

According to her account, concerns arose after claims submitted by fuel importers under Nigeria’s petrol subsidy programme increased sharply. At the time, Nigeria relied on imported refined petroleum products to supplement domestic supply, with the government paying subsidies to help keep pump prices lower.

Okonjo-Iweala said she sought presidential approval to audit the accounts, and the investigation uncovered what she described as approximately $2.4 billion in fraud. She said the government subsequently refused to pay the disputed claims, a decision that triggered threats against her.

The former minister said the situation escalated when her mother was abducted and held for five days in a forest. According to Okonjo-Iweala, the kidnappers demanded that she resign and leave Nigeria in exchange for her mother’s release.

She said her mother eventually escaped during the ordeal and remains alive at 96. Recalling the emotional toll, Okonjo-Iweala said the possibility that her actions in public office could put her mother’s life at risk was deeply distressing, adding that she would choose her mother over remaining in office.