FG reaffirms commitment to transparency in extractive sector

By Onu Okorie

Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and international best practices in the management of Nigeria’s extractive industries.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, gave the assurance on Monday, August 10, 2026, in Abuja when he received a delegation of Global Validation Assessors from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, said the visit was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s agenda of promoting openness, good governance and sustainable economic growth.
“Nigeria is proud to be part of EITI. Our commitment stems from our belief in transparency, accountability and the rule of law. As a signatory to the EITI Charter, we are committed, on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to keep our systems open to the EITI process,” the SGF stated.
He described the visit by the global assessors as a demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to uphold international standards and strengthen accountability in the extractive sector.
“This visit by the global assessors is a testament to our resolve to uphold international standards and to demonstrate to the world that Nigeria is serious about accountability in the extractive sector,” he added.
According to him, the Federal Government is working to strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve data accessibility and ensure that activities in the extractive sector comply with national laws and international standards.
Akume said the government was implementing reforms aimed at increasing transparency and addressing challenges confronting the Nigerian extractive industry.
“We are implementing reforms aimed at increasing transparency. The government is determined to address the challenges in the Nigerian extractive industry within the shortest possible time to ensure a seamless validation process and guarantee that our natural resources benefit all citizens,” he said.
The SGF urged the assessors to engage extensively with relevant stakeholders, assuring them of the Federal Government’s full support towards achieving a comprehensive validation of Nigeria’s implementation of the EITI principles.
In his response, the Leader of the EITI Global Validation Team, Mr. Riley Zecca, commended Nigeria for its proactive approach to EITI implementation.
Zecca noted that Nigeria remained important to the EITI Global Secretariat because of its ongoing reforms and the size and significance of its extractive sector.
“We appreciate being here. Our goal is to support the NEITI Secretariat in navigating the new requirements of the 2023 EITI Standard and to make this validation a learning and capacity-building experience,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, thanked the SGF for his consistent support, which he described as critical to advancing transparency and good governance in the sector.
Adar reaffirmed NEITI’s commitment to adopting international best practices and leveraging technology to improve data accuracy, accessibility and stakeholder engagement.
“Transparency is a continuous commitment. With the support of government and international partners, NEITI will further strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a country committed to accountability and responsible management of natural resources,” he stated.