The United States government yesterday recalled the important role Mallam Abba Kyari, the late chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, played in the repatriation of over $300 million in funds stolen by the late Nigerian head of state, Gen Sani Abacha.

In a condolence message to President Buhari, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy, described the late Kyari as a dedicated public servant and respected interlocutor for the American government.

‘‘Kyari was a valued and respected interlocutor for the U.S. government and particularly for our leadership team in Abuja. We appreciate working with him on many important matters, including the return to the Nigerian people of over $300 million in funds stolen by Sani Abacha. He envisioned the funds going to three geographically disparate infrastructure projects as a way to unite Nigeria economically,’’ Nagy said.

The US assistant secretary noted that this vision, encapsulated by President Buhari’s late chief of staff, was a reflection of his tireless championing of a solid and prosperous future for Nigeria.

‘‘His dedication to this matter, to fighting corruption, and to countless other investments and policies for the future of Nigeria will leave a lasting impact on your country,’’ a statement by presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, further quoted the President Trump’s lead diplomat for Africa as writing in the condolence message.

While commiserating with the government and people of Nigeria, the Kyari family on the loss, the U.S. government pledged to stand with Nigeria in the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic.