NEITI is really stepping up its game when it comes to collaborating with international partners. The executive secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, recently announced that several diplomatic missions in Nigeria have pledged their support to NEITI. These include the Ambassador of Belgium, the High Commissioner of Canada, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Australian High Commission. These ambassadors have been closely following NEITI’s reports and activities in the extractive sector and have expressed their admiration for Nigeria’s commitment to transparency. They have also commended NEITI for its groundbreaking disclosures and recommendations in the recently released industry reports. The Ambassador of Belgium, in particular, has pledged support for NEITI’s expansion into the Solid Minerals sector, with a focus on attracting investors from Belgium. The High Commissioner of Canada sees NEITI as a valuable source of information for Canadian investors and is willing to collaborate in various areas. The Chargé d’Affaires of the Australian High Commission is confident in NEITI’s ability to support Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts. In response, Dr. Orji has reaffirmed NEITI’s commitment to working with relevant ministries to implement reforms in the solid minerals sector. He is delighted by the renewed interest and support from the diplomatic missions and sees NEITI’s international affiliations, civil society partnerships, and government ownership as major strengths. NEITI will prioritize the solid minerals industry, which currently contributes less than 1% to GDP. Established in 2004, NEITI is a key anti-corruption agency that promotes transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and mining industries. It is a member of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and is dedicated to bringing about positive change in the sector.
