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Chidi Ugwu
The global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Validation Mission has commended Nigeria over its improved systematic disclosures which has enabled the real-time release of information and data across Nigeria’s extractive sector.
The Assessors also commended the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) for its well-coordinated stakeholder consultations which clearly presented Nigeria’s unique context through the high-level engagements, including the executive session with the National Assembly and a public hearing on the NEITI industry reports.
According to a statement signed by Mrs Obiageli Onuorah, Director, Comms and Stakeholders Management, the Assessors gave the commendations during the debriefing session with NEITI’s Senior Management Team at the close of their five-day in-country mission which is part of Nigeria’s 2026 EITI Validation Exercise.
The Mission team included Mr. Riley Zecca (Mission Leader), Ms. Jessica Sanchez, and Mr. Gilbert Makore, African Country Director at the global EITI.
Mission Lead, Mr. Riley Zecca commended “The breadth and quality of stakeholders inputs and urged Nigeria to build on this momentum by institutionalising improved systematic disclosures that support real-time transparency, ensuring timely, accessible publication of data that strengthens accountability and public trust in the extractive sector”.
He applauded NEITI’s dedication and the effectiveness of the validation consultations, noting that consistent, systematic disclosures have improved access to information and would allow the Mission to assess progress with confidence.
He added that the draft validation report will be shared with the NEITI Board within three weeks, after which Nigeria has a month within which to respond.
He affirmed that the final validation report will be laid during the EITI global conference in Brussels in October.
EITI’s Africa Country Director, Mr. Gilbert Makore urged Nigeria to appreciate and see the validation process in positive light, describing it as the backbone of EITI implementation.
He particularly commended the participation of Nigeria’s National Assembly, calling it unique and innovative.
“The executive session with the National Assembly and the public hearing on the NEITI industry reports, where companies and government agencies appeared, demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to open, inclusive dialogue,” he said.
Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, Executive Secretary of NEITI, described the mission’s conclusion as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s validation journey.
He emphasised that the exercise is more than a compliance check, but an additional opportunity to reflect on achievements, address challenges and accelerate reforms in Nigeria’s natural resource governance.
“The Validation has provided a platform to showcase progress in implementing the EITI Standard and to engage constructively with stakeholders and the EITI International Secretariat,” Hon. Adar said.
He reaffirmed NEITI’s commitment to working with government institutions, companies, civil society, and host communities to ensure that validation findings translate into meaningful and sustained reforms.
The Mission’s engagements included meetings with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chair of the NEITI Board, Senator George Akume; the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Doris Uzoka-Anite; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bayo Ojulari.
Assessors also met with relevant National Assembly Committees led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo and with anti-corruption and governance institutions such as the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, EFCC, ICPC, National Human Rights Commission, and the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms.
Engagements with NNPC Limited focused on the company’s role as an EITI supporting company, anti-corruption policies, systematic disclosures, contract transparency, and commodity trading transparency.
Civil society consultations brought together representatives from the NEITI Civil Society Steering Committee, the Civil Society Strategic Think Tank, the Civil Society Selection Committee, and wider civil society organisations, alongside host community representatives from Rivers and Zamfara States.
The 2026 Validation Exercise began on 1 July 2026, following Nigeria’s submission of validation templates covering transparency, stakeholder engagement, and outcomes and impact.
The Mission’s in-country consultations ran from 10–14 August 2026 and provided the NEITI Secretariat with detailed, actionable insights on progress and opportunities for deeper EITI implementation.
