Government Assures Non-Interference in Selection of New NEITI Board
The federal government has assured the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) that there will be no political interference in the selection of the next governing board for the Nigerian branch, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
This governing board, also known as the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), typically includes government officials, industry leaders, and civil society groups.
The commitment to ensuring transparency in the selection process was reiterated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during a meeting with a delegation from the global EITI in Abuja. The SGF expressed a commitment to resolving any concerns or uncertainties related to the process.
“One area where government assured the delegation of its urgent action is in the reconstitution of the NSWG and preservation of NEITI governance structure from political interference,” a statement signed by NEITI’s Deputy Director/Head Communications and Stakeholders Management, Obiageli Onuorah, stated.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, reassured the delegation from the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) that NEITI would receive support to facilitate robust consultations and decision-making.
This commitment is aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the NEITI mandate and adherence to EITI standards. The emphasis on support suggests a commitment to collaboration and adherence to transparency and accountability principles in the extractive industries in Nigeria.
“In this direction, I wish to announce to you that the federal government will constitute the NEITI national stakeholders working group without further delay.
“In constituting the NEITI board, we will take into consideration the peculiar nature of NEITI operations, and the EITI standards and ensure that the quality of its membership reflects the expectations of the global EITI,” the SGF noted.
Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), acknowledged Nigeria’s performance in the recent Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) assessment. He noted the progress made by the country in the implementation of the initiative between 2019-2022. While expressing pride in the impacts achieved by the current administration, he also mentioned that concerns raised by the global body would be addressed.
Furthermore, he emphasized the crucial role played by reliable information and data provided by NEITI’s reports in shaping ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and mining sectors. This underscores the significance of transparent reporting and data-driven insights in guiding policy reforms within the country’s extractive industries.
“We have also found NEITI reports to be very useful in the areas of revenue generation, resource mobilization, blocking leakages in the system, and a dependable data resource in the country’s sustained war against corruption.
“I want to acknowledge the report of the EITI validation of Nigeria and to assure you that the federal government is already working on the report. From our preliminary reviews, we have noted with excitement the many areas that Nigeria excelled in that report, and the areas that our country requires improvements.
“The government is fully aware that we were assessed on three major indicators: Outcomes/impacts, transparency as well as stakeholders engagements,” he added.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) expressed elation that Nigeria excelled in outcomes and impacts, achieving a score of 92 percent, and scoring over 70 percent in transparency disclosures according to the recent Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) assessment. This achievement indicates the tangible benefits Nigeria is deriving from the implementation of the EITI.
However, the SGF acknowledged that more work and improvements are needed, particularly in the area of stakeholders’ engagements where Nigeria scored just above 50 percent. He commended EITI for highlighting specific areas that require correction and improvement before the next validation, scheduled for January 2026.
The SGF assured that Nigeria, through NEITI, is actively working on action plans to address the identified gaps before the stipulated time in January 2026. This commitment reflects the dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to EITI standards in the oil, gas, and mining industry sector reforms in Nigeria.
“On the corrective measures, you have highlighted, please let me assure you, that we will pay priority attention to the identified areas of weaknesses.
“I have directed the executive secretary of NEITI to come up immediately with a comprehensive plan of action to address all the corrective actions highlighted in the report to be implemented as part of ongoing extractive industry reforms.
“On our part, the federal government will provide all the necessary support to enable NEITI and indeed Nigeria, deepen EITI implementation because our country needs it most,” Akume noted.
The leader of the delegation, Mr. Bady Baldé, Deputy Head of the EITI Secretariat, communicated that the team was in Nigeria to share the outcome of the last validation exercise with stakeholders and the Nigerian government. The purpose was also to offer support for post-validation planning.
Related Posts
Following this, the delegation held meetings with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, represented by Mrs. Grace Ogbonna, the Director of Research and Economic Planning in the ministry.
The ministers pledged additional institutional support for NEITI interventions in the extractive sector reforms, focusing on areas such as contract disclosures and anti-corruption principles to address leakages and enhance revenue generation for the benefit of the citizens. This signifies a collaborative effort to strengthen transparency and governance in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
