Senator Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East), a former governor of Ogun State, has called on the Federal Government to introduce a well-structured amnesty or moratorium for Nigerians who repatriate illicit funds stashed abroad, on the condition that the money is invested in productive sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Daniel made the proposal on Wednesday, April 2, 2026, while speaking at a book launch held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja to celebrate his 70th birthday.
He described corruption as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development and singled out capital flight as one of its most destructive aspects. According to him, large sums of stolen money are often invested overseas, benefiting foreign economies while depriving Nigeria of much-needed resources for growth.
“In the interim, one of the most damaging dimensions of corruption is capital flight. Much of the money stolen is invested outside our shores, enriching other nations while depriving Nigeria of development resources,” Daniel said.
“As a pragmatic step, government could consider a well-structured moratorium or amnesty on repatriation of such funds, provided they are invested productively within the country. This will help inject needed capital into the economy.”
The senator noted that much of this illicit wealth flows through the banking system and can be traced using modern financial intelligence tools. He advocated for a more systemic approach to fighting corruption, including stronger use of the Code of Conduct Bureau to promote accountability among public officials.
Beyond the amnesty proposal, Daniel expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and distorted narratives in public discourse. He urged deliberate investment in credible, fact-based information systems to help citizens make informed decisions.
He also lamented the erosion of ethical standards in public service, where sources of sudden wealth are seldom questioned, and called for a revival of the “Omoluabi” values of integrity, honour, and moral uprightness.
Despite the challenges, Daniel voiced optimism that Nigeria’s governance issues could be overcome with collective will and sincerity.
The event featured the launch of four books authored by or about Daniel, including Daniel in the Lions’ Den and My March through the Courts. Dr Reuben Abati, a Fellow of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, reviewed some of the books and encouraged Nigerians, especially the youth and researchers, to document their experiences.
Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central) described My March through the Courts as a “must-read” for its insights into Daniel’s legal battles and eventual acquittal.
The proposal comes amid ongoing national discussions on corruption, asset recovery, and economic development. No specific amounts, individuals, or countries were mentioned in connection with the funds.
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