Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria says it is fully prepared for the upcoming global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Validation exercise scheduled to begin on July 1, as authorities seek to demonstrate progress in transparency and accountability within the country’s oil, gas and mining sectors.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) said it has addressed major corrective actions identified during the previous validation exercise and is ready to undergo independent assessment under the 2023 EITI Standard.
Speaking at a consultative forum in Abuja on Monday, NEITI Executive Secretary Musa Adar said Nigeria had strengthened stakeholder engagement, improved contract disclosure processes and enhanced transparency relating to state-owned enterprises, subnational transfers and resource-backed loans.
“Nigeria has taken deliberate steps to close gaps identified in the last validation. We are stronger, more coordinated, and ready to demonstrate our progress to the global EITI community,” Adar said.
He said the National Stakeholders Working Group had systematically implemented reforms required under previous validation recommendations.
“Validation is not just compliance. It is proof of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in managing our extractive resources,” he added.
According to Adar, NEITI is working with government institutions, extractive companies, civil society organisations and development partners to ensure that disclosures required under the 2023 EITI Standard are complete and accessible.
“Together with our partners, we will ensure that every disclosure is ready, every corrective action addressed, and every constituency fully engaged. Nigeria is prepared to lead by example,” he said.
NEITI Director of Communications and Stakeholders Management, Obiageli Onuorah, highlighted the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the National Human Rights Commission to protect civic space, describing the initiative as an innovative step recognised by the global EITI community.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
