His Excellency Abubakar Malami, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari. During his tenure, he earned recognition for his legal expertise, strategic asset recovery efforts, and contributions to governance. Many Nigerians, particularly in certain political and regional circles, admire him for his perceived dedication to protecting national interests, advancing anti-corruption drives, and supporting community development.
Here are 10 comprehensive achievements often highlighted by Nigerians, along with reasons why segments of the Nigerian public hold him in high regard:
1. Successful Repatriation of Over $311 Million in Looted Funds
Abubakar Malami SAN played a pivotal role in negotiating and securing the return of approximately $311.8 million in Abacha-era looted funds from the United States and the Bailiwick of Jersey in 2020. These funds were earmarked for critical infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Abuja-Kano highway, and the Second Niger Bridge. Nigerians appreciate this as a concrete demonstration of recovering public wealth for national development, symbolizing effective diplomacy in fighting economic sabotage.
2. Victory in the P&ID Arbitration Case
Under his leadership, Nigeria successfully defended against a $9 billion claim by Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) in a long-running gas contract dispute. The legal team, guided by the AGF’s office, exposed alleged fraud and saved the nation from massive liability. This is celebrated as a masterclass in protecting sovereignty, with many viewing Malami as a shield against exploitative international deals that could have crippled the economy.
3. Relief from $1.5 Billion Liability in Interocean Oil Dispute: Abubakar Malami’s team secured a favorable ruling at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), relieving Nigeria of a $1.5 billion potential payout and winning $660,000 in costs. Supporters hail this as a strategic legal defense that prevented a huge financial hemorrhage, showcasing his commitment to fiscal prudence and national interest over foreign claims.
4. Prosecution of Terrorism Cases and Convictions
His office reportedly concluded numerous terrorism-related prosecutions, securing convictions in a significant number of cases while contributing to broader security efforts. This is seen as bolstering national stability, with admirers crediting him for supporting the fight against insurgency through diligent legal backing, giving hope to communities affected by violence.
5. Asset Recovery and Savings in Litigation
Abubakar Malami, SAN, oversaw the recovery of substantial looted assets (cumulatively cited in hundreds of millions of dollars, plus local currencies) and helped save billions of naira and dollars through efficient case dispositions and avoidance of liabilities. Nigerians who value transparency in governance praise this as evidence of a hands-on approach to reclaiming public resources and reducing wasteful litigation burdens on the state.
6. Drafting Key Executive Orders on Anti-Corruption
He facilitated presidential executive orders, including those on the preservation of suspicious assets linked to corruption and voluntary offshore asset regularization. These measures are viewed as innovative tools that strengthened the legal framework for fighting graft, earning him admiration from those who see him as a reformer modernizing Nigeria’s justice architecture.
7. Support for Legislative Reforms and Climate Change Act
Malami provided legal opinions and backing for the passage of important laws, including the Climate Change Act 2022, alongside other justice sector initiatives. Proponents highlight his role in advancing sustainable development and institutional strengthening, portraying him as forward-thinking in addressing contemporary national challenges beyond traditional legal duties.
8. Philanthropic Initiatives and Community Empowerment
Through foundations like the Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative and Kadi Malami Foundation, he supported poverty alleviation, youth empowerment (including multi-billion naira credit facilities in Kebbi State), borehole projects, education, and flood relief. Many in his home region and beyond love him for this grassroots impact seen as genuine care for the less privileged, creating jobs, and improving living conditions where government reach is limited.
9. Youth and Women Empowerment Programs
His efforts included facilitating loans and support for small businesses, farmers, and women/girls, aligning with broader goals of gender equality and human capital development. Supporters often cite these as reasons for affection, viewing Malami as a compassionate leader who translates legal influence into tangible socio-economic benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
10. Overall Defense of National Interests and Awards
Malami received national honors like the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and state recognitions for his service. His tenure is summarized by admirers as one of loyalty, competence, and patriotism saving Nigeria from international liabilities estimated in billions while contributing to anti-corruption narratives. This holistic record fosters loyalty among those who prioritize stability, legal acumen, and regional representation in federal power.
Nigerians admiration for His Excellency Abubakar Malami often point to his humility despite high office, strategic navigation of complex legal and political landscapes, investment in education and agriculture in Kebbi State, and unwavering support for the ADC’s vision. They see him as a rare combination of legal brilliance and political loyalty who prioritized Nigeria’s sovereignty and development amid challenges. His fans describe him as a “patriot of all times” whose work brought hope through recovered funds, international relations, and community projects, making him a beloved figure in circles that value these outcomes.
Source: NIGERIA BLOGGERS FORUM ASSOCIATION
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