NEITI is forging new international partnerships to advance transparency in the extractive sector. The agency has recently engaged with prominent diplomatic missions in Nigeria, including the Ambassador of Belgium, the High Commissioner of Canada, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Australian High Commission. These missions have expressed their support and readiness to collaborate with NEITI in offering technical assistance, pursuing governance reforms, and deepening involvement in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and mining sectors.
The diplomats have been closely following NEITI’s reports and activities in the extractive sector with great interest. They have also acknowledged Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
The Ambassador of Belgium, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, has commended the quality and depth of NEITI’s recently released reports on the oil, gas, and solid minerals industry. He praised the groundbreaking disclosures on outstanding remittances to boost government revenue, the incisive findings and recommendations, and NEITI’s overall courage in promoting transparency and accountability in the sector. Belgium has pledged its support to NEITI, with a focus on capacity building to expand operations into the solid minerals sector and attract investors.
The High Commissioner of Canada, Mr. James Christoff, has welcomed Nigeria’s implementation of the EITI and expressed special interest in the solid minerals sector. He believes that collaborating with NEITI will provide reliable information and data to assist potential Canadian investors in making informed business decisions. The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria is willing to partner directly with NEITI in areas such as information sharing, training, capacity building, and technical support.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Australian High Commission, Ms. Leann Johnston, has also expressed confidence in NEITI’s ability to support Nigeria’s policy on economic diversification. She believes that NEITI’s reports inspire confidence and can provide reliable information and data in the extractive industries.
Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with relevant ministries to open up the solid minerals sector for public engagement and implement groundbreaking reforms. NEITI will prioritize the solid minerals industry, which currently contributes less than 1% to GDP. Dr. Orji is delighted with the renewed interest and support from the Belgian, Canadian, and Australian embassies.
NEITI, established in 2004, is the key anti-corruption agency responsible for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and mining industries. As a member of the global EITI, NEITI is actively involved in the international effort to ensure transparency in the extractive sector.