EITI assessors commend Nigeria on transparency reforms, stakeholder engagement

By Onu Okorie

Global assessors from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative EITI have praised Nigeria for significant improvements in transparency and systematic reporting within its extractive sector, describing the country’s approach as a model for real-time disclosure and stakeholder engagement.

The commendation came at the conclusion of a five-day EITI Validation Mission conducted as part of Nigeria’s 2026 validation exercise. The assessment team lauded the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) for expanding systematic disclosures that enable real-time access to information and data across the extractive industry.

The assessors also highlighted NEITI’s extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including engagements with the National Assembly and a public hearing on NEITI industry reports, which they said effectively showcased Nigeria’s unique governance and transparency efforts.

Leading the mission, Riley Zecca said the quality and breadth of stakeholder participation demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He urged the country to institutionalise improved disclosure systems to ensure timely and accessible publication of extractive sector data.

According to Zecca, NEITI’s commitment to transparency has improved public access to information and enabled the validation team to assess progress with confidence. He disclosed that a draft validation report would be presented to the NEITI Board within three weeks, while the final report is expected to be tabled at the EITI Global Conference in Brussels in October.

EITI Africa Country Director, Gilbert Makore, described the validation process as the backbone of EITI implementation and singled out the participation of Nigeria’s National Assembly as innovative. He said the executive session with lawmakers and the public hearing involving companies and government agencies reflected Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and accountability.

Responding, NEITI Executive Secretary, Musa Sarkin Adar, described the completion of the mission as a major milestone in Nigeria’s validation journey. He said the exercise provided an opportunity not only to demonstrate compliance with EITI standards but also to review achievements, address challenges and deepen reforms in natural resource governance.

Adar reaffirmed NEITI’s commitment to working with government agencies, extractive companies, civil society organisations and host communities to ensure that the outcomes of the validation process translate into lasting reforms.

During the mission, the assessors held meetings with senior government officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation and NEITI Board Chairman, George Akume; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite; and NNPC Limited Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari. They also met representatives of anti-corruption agencies, governance institutions, civil society groups and host communities.

The 2026 EITI Validation Exercise commenced on July 1 following Nigeria’s submission of required validation templates covering transparency, stakeholder engagement, and impact assessments. The in-country consultations were held from August 10 to 14 and provided detailed feedback on Nigeria’s progress and future opportunities for strengthening EITI implementation.