Enhancing Collaboration: NEITI and NBS to Formalize Data Sharing Agreement

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) are in the process of drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the exchange of data for national development.

A meeting was recently convened at the NBS Secretariat in Abuja, with the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, and the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, where both parties reached an agreement to formalize an arrangement that will govern rules of engagement on data sharing and management, access and deployment, and measures to reinforce the integrity of data.

The MoU will also outline areas of mutual cooperation between NEITI and NBS on training and manpower development, enhancement of information technology (IT) systems, and the development of frameworks to bolster operational efficiency. Additionally, it will establish modalities and frameworks for the partnership and collaboration on managing information and data pertaining to Beneficial Ownership Disclosures, Contract Transparency, and Gender and Environment-related information.

Dr. Orji emphasized the importance of the cooperation and partnership with NBS, underscoring the need for standardization and consistent data dissemination, particularly at the sub-national levels. Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of NEITI’s provision of data from the extractive industries to support NBS, while NBS aids NEITI in extending its operations to socio-economic development issues arising from oil, gas, and mining operations in Nigeria.

The collaboration between NEITI and NBS holds considerable promise, as NEITI’s report has been globally recognized for its credibility by the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Nigeria achieved its highest score of 90 points on data integrity, comprehensive reporting, outcomes and impacts, contribution to economic growth, and adherence to legal frameworks in the recently released report of Nigeria’s international assessment.

On the other hand, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran stressed the unique standing of the two agencies, based on their brand names, integrity, and credibility of their work. He underscored the importance of upholding accountability to the Nigerian people and maintaining transparency and integrity in their work.

The NBS is committed to partnering with NEITI to uphold a regime of transparency and accountability in the nation’s extractive sector, as it collaborates with various entities to generate data sets used for economic, social, and environmental development. Additionally, Prince Adediran urged NEITI to produce insightful data on the Solid Minerals sector, akin to the agency’s work in the oil and gas sector.

This partnership between NEITI and NBS signifies an important stride towards leveraging each agency’s respective strengths to improve the availability of accurate and comprehensive data, which will ultimately inform policy and drive reforms in the extractive sector.

The formalization of the MoU is an affirmative development that fosters collaboration and paves the way for a more coordinated approach to data sharing and integrity, setting a precedent for enhanced synergy among government agencies in Nigeria.