Nigeria’s Remarkable Achievement in the 2021 EITI Global Assessment
Nigeria has accomplished a significant achievement in the global evaluation of the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) by attaining a score of 72 out of 100. The outcomes of the assessment, disclosed during the 58th Board meeting of the EITI in Oslo, Norway under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, have showcased Nigeria’s substantial advancement in various aspects.
As per the assessment, Nigeria obtained the highest score of 90 points in data integrity, comprehensiveness of report, outcomes and impacts, contribution to economic growth, and adherence to legal frameworks. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) confirmed that the international assessment, which spanned 11 months, yielded an overall score of 72 points for Nigeria.
The assessment centered on three key thematic areas, namely transparency, stakeholders’ engagement, and outcomes and impacts. Notably, Nigeria’s performance stood out in the outcomes and impacts category, where it secured an exceptional score of 92 points. Moreover, the country received 71.5 points for implementing transparency-driven reforms in the extractive industry and 52.5 points for stakeholders’ engagements.
The commendable rating of 72 points for Nigeria was underpinned by the effective implementation of EITI and its visible and tangible impacts on extractive industry governance. The international board highlighted NEITI’s robust system for developing work plans, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, dissemination, and outreach, particularly reflected in the impressive score of 92 points for outcomes and impacts.
The twenty-member Board, led by former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Ms. Helen Clark, commended NEITI for its discernible impact in spearheading reforms and enhancing governance in the oil, gas, and mining sectors. In response to the global assessment report, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, expressed both satisfaction and optimism.
Dr. Orji noted that while NEITI had anticipated a higher overall score for Nigeria given the government’s support, stakeholders’ collaboration, and the agency’s relentless efforts over the past two years, he was pleased with Nigeria’s highest score of 90 points in data quality, openness, and integrity, as well as outcomes and impacts in the NEITI report.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s performance in the 2021 EITI global assessment reflects the country’s commitment to transparency and governance in the extractive industries. The achievement serves as a testament to NEITI’s dedication and the government’s support, setting the stage for continued progress in the pursuit of excellence in the sector.
