Promoting Responsible Management of Nigeria’s Natural Resources: NEITI’s Collaboration with Mining Companies

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) is currently striving to establish a closer and more cooperative partnership with mining companies in order to ensure the responsible management of Nigeria’s natural resources. Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, underscored the significance of this partnership during a recent meeting with a delegation from the Miners Association of Nigeria. He expressed NEITI’s renewed commitment to engaging with mining companies in light of the Federal Government’s renewed focus on the solid minerals sector.

Dr. Orji emphasised the critical role that mining companies play in shaping the level of revenue generation in the industry, government take, company profits, and the flow of investments into the sector. NEITI, as a subsidiary of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), is dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in the industry. This is to ensure that companies can generate profits in an accountable manner and contribute to government revenues for national development.

The Executive Secretary underscored the importance of creating a business environment free from acrimony, violence, insecurity, and conflicts, as this directly impacts business opportunities. He highlighted NEITI’s role in providing an enabling environment for mining companies to thrive, benefitting both the companies and the host communities.

Mr. Dele Ayanleke, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, commended NEITI for its ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the extractive industry. He also expressed concerns about interference from some State Governments, which undermines the sector’s growth, and sought NEITI’s support in advocating for stronger compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks governing the solid minerals sector.

The visit to NEITI House marks the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between NEITI and mining companies, reflecting Dr. Orji’s commitment to rebuilding trust and confidence among stakeholders. This visit precedes an upcoming meeting of the NEITI-Companies Forum, demonstrating the collaborative efforts between NEITI and mining companies in driving positive change in the sector.