Nigeria Excels in EITI Validation Assessment

Nigeria has successfully completed the final global assessment for the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in the country. Following an 11-month evaluation, Nigeria achieved an overall score of 72 points, as announced by the International Board of the EITI during their 58th Board meeting in Oslo, Norway.

The evaluation of Nigeria focused on three key areas: transparency, stakeholders’ engagement, and outcomes and impacts. According to Obiageli Onuorah, Head of Communications & Stakeholders Management at NEITI, Nigeria received its highest score of 92 points in outcomes and impacts, 71.5 points in implementing transparency reforms, and 52.5 points in stakeholders’ engagement.

The Board commended NEITI for effectively implementing the EITI standards, resulting in tangible impacts on governance in the extractive industry.

In the area of outcomes and impacts, the global EITI recognized NEITI’s strong system for developing work plans, monitoring and evaluation, as well as dissemination and outreach. The Board, chaired by former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Ms. Helen Clark, praised the significant impacts of NEITI in leading reforms and governance in the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

NEITI’s reports also received recognition for integrity and access with a score of 90 points, demonstrating the credibility and comprehensiveness of the information and data presented.

In response to the assessment report, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of NEITI, expressed certain expectations from the assessment, indicating that NEITI had anticipated a higher overall score for Nigeria. Nonetheless, he emphasized NEITI’s commitment to achieving visible results that will enhance the lives of Nigerians and increase government revenues.

Dr. Orji emphasized the importance of credible information and data to support national development, underscoring the significance of the global EITI’s endorsement of Nigeria’s data integrity.

The recognition of Nigeria’s contribution to economic growth and development by the EITI was particularly praised by NEITI, affirming that the agency’s work aligns with national priorities.

Moving forward, NEITI is committed to working closely with the government, civil society, and extractive companies to address areas for improvement outlined in the report, which include deepening engagements and giving priority attention to the solid minerals sector.

However, Dr. Orji expressed concerns about the absence of the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), which affected Nigeria’s overall performance in the assessment. He urged for the urgent reconstitution of the NSWG, which was affected by the recent dissolution of all Boards of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria.

In conclusion, the Executive Secretary thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria, civil society, oil, gas, and mining companies, and development partners for their support during the validation process. The next global assessment of Nigeria by the EITI is scheduled for January 1, 2026, during which all corrective actions are expected to have been strengthened.