EITI global validators begin assessment in Nigeria

… as FG reaffirms commitment to accountability

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and international best practices in the management of Nigeria’s extractive industries.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of Global Validation Assessors from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

The EITI Validation Exercise commenced on July 1, 2026.

Head, Information and Public Relations, SGF Office, Mr Chris Ugwuegbulam, in a statement on Monday, said Senator Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (GSO), Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the visit aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda of promoting openness, good governance and sustainable economic growth.

“Nigeria is proud to be part of EITI. Our commitment stems from our belief in transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. As a signatory to the EITI charter, we are committed, on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to keep our systems open to the EITI process,” the SGF stated.

“This visit by the global assessors is a testament to our resolve to uphold international standards and to demonstrate to the world that Nigeria is serious about accountability in the extractive sector,” he added.

The SGF noted that the government is working to strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve data accessibility and ensure that extractive activities comply with both national laws and international standards.

“We are implementing reforms aimed at increasing transparency. The government is determined to address the challenges in the Nigerian extractive industry within the shortest possible time to ensure a seamless validation process and guarantee that our natural resources benefit all citizens,” he said.

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Senator Akume further urged the assessors to engage widely with stakeholders, assuring them of the Federal Government’s full support to achieve a comprehensive validation of Nigeria’s EITI implementation.

In his response, the Leader of the EITI Global Validation Team, Mr Riley Zecca, commended Nigeria’s proactive approach to EITI implementation. He noted that Nigeria remains important to the global secretariat due to ongoing reforms and the size of its extractive sector.

“We appreciate being here. Our goal is to support the NEITI Secretariat in navigating the new requirements of the 2023 EITI Standard and to make this validation a learning and capacity-building experience,” Mr Zecca said.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, thanked the SGF for his consistent support, which he described as critical to advancing transparency and good governance in the sector.

He reaffirmed NEITI’s commitment to adopting international best practices and leveraging technology to ensure data accuracy, accessibility and stakeholder engagement.

“Transparency is a continuous commitment. With the support of government and international partners, NEITI will further strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a country committed to accountability and responsible management of natural resources,” Hon. Adar stated.