Okonjo-Iweala: $2.4bn Subsidy Fraud Probe Triggered My Mother’s Kidnap

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has recounted a harrowing ordeal involving the alleged $2.4 billion fuel subsidy fraud in Nigeria. The fraud came to light during her tenure as Nigeria's finance minister when officials noticed a significant increase in claims submitted by fuel importers under the subsidy programme.

The programme provided government payments to importers, allowing them to sell petrol at regulated prices. After investigating the issue, Okonjo-Iweala informed the president that she suspected widespread fraud and demanded an audit of the accounts. The investigation led to the discovery of the $2.4 billion in alleged fraud, prompting the decision not to pay any more subsidies.

In response to the decision, the abductors threatened Okonjo-Iweala, demanding that she resign as finance minister and leave Nigeria in exchange for her mother's release. The abductors held her mother in a forest for five days before she managed to escape. Okonjo-Iweala described the experience as the worst in her life, expressing her fear that her actions could lead to her mother's death.

Her mother, Kamene Okonjo, was eventually released unharmed and is now 96 years old. Okonjo-Iweala stated that her mother still becomes distressed whenever the incident is mentioned.

Despite the threats, Okonjo-Iweala prioritised her mother's life over remaining in office, saying, "Between my mother, having my mother alive and staying in a job, I would pick my mother any day." Her father had previously urged her not to surrender to the kidnappers' demands, emphasizing the importance of not giving in to blackmail.

Okonjo-Iweala recounted feeling paralyzed by fear and initially considering resigning to secure her mother's release. She reflected on the experience, noting that it made her more patient and helped her focus on finding solutions when confronted with difficult situations.

Okonjo-Iweala served as Nigeria's finance minister under President Goodluck Jonathan before becoming the WTO's director-general in March 2021. Her mother's kidnapping in December 2012 drew national attention and highlighted concerns over the safety of high-profile individuals, particularly those in positions of power.