…As EITI begins Nigeria’s validation

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and international best practices in the management of Nigeria’s extractive industries as the global validation process of the country’s implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) gets underway.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of Global Validation Assessors from the EITI.

Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the validation exercise was consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to 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,” he said.

The SGF said the visit by the global assessors demonstrated Nigeria’s resolve to uphold international standards and strengthen accountability in the extractive sector.

He noted that the government was working to strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve access to data and ensure that activities in the sector complied with national laws and international standards.

“We are implementing reforms aimed at increasing transparency. The Federal 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,” Akume said.

He urged the assessors to engage extensively with relevant stakeholders, assuring them of the Federal Government’s full support for a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s EITI implementation.

Responding, the Leader of the EITI Global Validation Team, Mr Riley Zecca, commended Nigeria’s approach to the implementation of the initiative, describing the country as an important member of the global EITI community, given the size of its extractive sector and ongoing reforms.

“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,” Zecca said.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, thanked the SGF for his continued support, which he described as critical to advancing transparency and good governance in the sector.

Adar reaffirmed NEITI’s commitment to international best practices and the use of 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 said.

The EITI validation exercise commenced on July 1, 2026, as part of the process for assessing Nigeria’s implementation of the initiative against the requirements of the 2023 EITI Standard.