The Federal Government has called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s extractive sector to use the 2026 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, EITI, Validation Exercise as a strategic springboard to deepen transparency, reinforce accountability, and entrench good governance in pursuit of sustainable national development.
The charge was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the National Stakeholders’ Working Group, Senator George Akume, at the opening of a three-day Joint Strategic Retreat convened for the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI.
At the retreat, themed “Strengthening EITI Implementation from Extractive Sector Reporting to Impact,” commenced on Monday, in Abuja, Senator Akume applauded the National Stakeholders’ Working Group and the NEITI Secretariat for their vision and unwavering commitment in organising the retreat.
He noted that their consistent drive to advance transparency, accountability, and good governance in the extractive sector has earned the appreciation of the Federal Government.
“I commend the significant work already undertaken by NEITI, particularly in making the submission to EITI and the various ongoing strategic engagements with stakeholders in preparation for the forthcoming visit of the EITI International Validation Team. These efforts demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to an inclusive, transparent and credible Validation process,” he stated.
He emphasised that the true measure of success in EITI implementation lies not in the sheer number of reports produced or the volume of data disclosed, but in the degree to which transparency fortifies public institutions, boosts investor confidence, restores public trust in resource governance, and contributes meaningfully to sustainable national development.
The SGF pointed out that the 2023 EITI Standard places heightened emphasis on systematic disclosures, beneficial ownership, contract transparency, state-owned enterprises, anti-corruption measures, environmental reporting, energy transition, and meaningful stakeholder participation. He affirmed that these priorities are firmly aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Reform Agenda, and that Nigeria remains fully committed to implementing them.
Describing the forthcoming Validation Exercise as a defining platform for showcasing Nigeria’s progress in strengthening governance within the extractive sector, Senator Akume noted it presents an opportunity to address previous corrective actions and institutionalise reforms that promote accountability and transparency.
Akume reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to provide the strategic leadership and coordination needed to ensure the successful implementation of the EITI across all relevant government institutions, adding that the Validation process remains a critical instrument for strengthening public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s natural resources.
The SGF further commended NEITI for the remarkable progress recorded in preparing for the Validation Exercise, particularly its submission to the EITI International Secretariat and the ongoing strategic engagements with stakeholders ahead of the visit of the EITI International Validation Team.
He described these efforts as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to an inclusive, transparent, and credible validation process. He urged members of the NSWG and the NEITI Secretariat to use the retreat to take stock of achievements, deepen collaboration, tackle outstanding priorities, and design practical strategies that will not only guarantee a successful Validation outcome but also drive long-term governance reforms in the extractive sector.
The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, described the Joint Strategic Retreat as a pivotal platform for assessing Nigeria’s progress in implementing the EITI and mapping out a strategic path forward.
He noted that the retreat comes at a defining moment in Nigeria’s EITI journey, challenging stakeholders to reflect on past achievements, evaluate current realities, and determine the practical steps required to ensure that transparency translates into tangible outcomes.
The Executive Secretary observed that the retreat coincides with Nigeria’s 2026 EITI Validation Exercise, describing the process as an opportunity not only to demonstrate compliance with the EITI Standard but also to gauge the country’s progress in institutionalising reforms, implementing corrective actions, and strengthening governance in the extractive sector.
He disclosed that recent engagements with government institutions, extractive companies, civil society organisations, and the media have shown a strong commitment to the validation process, while also highlighting the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, improved documentation, and more effective implementation of audit recommendations.
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