Nigeria scales EITI assessment, scores 72 points

Nigeria has successfully completed the final global assessment of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), securing an overall score of 72 points out of 100.

Chaired by former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, the International Board of EITI disclosed the results after an 11-month evaluation.
The assessment highlighted Nigeria’s excellence in three crucial areas: outcomes and impacts (92 points), implementing transparency-driven reforms (71.5 points) and stakeholders’ engagement (52.5 points).

The board specifically praised NEITI’s effective implementation, recognising “visible and tangible impacts on extractive industry governance”
NEITI’s robust system for developing work plans, monitoring and evaluation, dissemination and outreach contributed significantly to the outstanding score in outcomes and impacts.

The board applauded NEITI’s leadership in driving reforms and governance within the oil, gas, and mining sectors.The reports received acclaim for data integrity and access, scoring 90 points, indicating globally-acknowledged credibility and comprehensiveness.

While expressing satisfaction with the high scores, NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, acknowledged the need for improvement in highlighted areas.

He emphasised the adverse impact of absence of the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) on Nigeria’s overall performance, seeking urgent reconstitution of the body due to its critical oversight role.

Projecting ahead, the global EITI has scheduled the next assessment for January 1, 2026, expecting strengthened corrective actions.Orji affirmed NEITI’s commitment to continuous improvement, closer collaboration with stakeholders and addressing emerging issues in the extractive sector.

NEITI lauded the Federal Government, civil society, oil, gas, and mining companies, as well asd development partners for their support during the validation process, underscoring the collective effort toward transparency, accountability and economic growth.