The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has announced the arrival of the Global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Validation Assessors as part of the ongoing 2026 EITI Validation Exercise, which commenced on July 1st, 2026.
The presence of The EITI Mission in Nigeria marks a significant stage in Nigeria’s 2026 EITI Validation and forms part of the global EITI Validation process.
NEITI’s Director of Commissions & Stakeholders Management, Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah, in a statement on Sunday, explained that during the mission which commences August 10th 2026, the Validation Assessors will undertake a comprehensive quality assurance assessment and hold consultations with key stakeholders, including government institutions, the National Assembly, extractive companies, civil society organisations, development partners, anti-corruption agencies, host communities, the media and other stakeholders.
According to the statement, the consultations are designed to provide the Assessors with diverse perspectives on Nigeria’s implementation of the EITI Standard and ongoing reforms in the extractive sector.
NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Musa Sarkin Adar, described the Validation Mission as an important opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the governance of its extractive industries.
The Executive Secretary explained that: “Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. We regard the Validation process as an opportunity not only to assess the progress we have made, but also to highlight areas where further reforms can enhance extractive sector governance”.
Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar noted that NEITI, working in collaboration with the National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) and other stakeholders, had concluded extensive preparations for the exercise, including the submission of Nigeria’s Validation documentation and targeted stakeholder engagements in line with the requirements of the 2023 EITI Standard.
Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar expressed confidence that the mission would further strengthen Nigeria’s partnership with the global EITI and reaffirm the country’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and prudent management of its natural resources.
Specifically, the Assessors will be meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chair of the NEITI Board, Senator George Akume and the NEITI NSWG, the Ministers of Finance and Budget and Economic Planning, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, NEITI’s IMTT, the Senate Committee on Public Account and other relevant Committees at NASS as well MITEI.
Validation is an independent quality assurance mechanism that assesses implementing countries’ compliance with the 2023 EITI Standard. The exercise evaluates progress made in strengthening transparency, accountability and good governance in the management of oil, gas and mining resources, while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
The 2026 EITI Validation is an opportunity to demonstrate the progress Nigeria has made in strengthening extractive sector governance, addressing previous corrective actions and institutionalising reforms that promote transparency and accountability.
It will be recalled that in January 2023, Nigeria underwent its fourth validation exercise under the 2019 EITI Standard. Based on the validation report, Nigeria achieved a moderate overall score of 72 points in implementing the EITI and identified specific corrective actions which Nigeria through NEITI needs to address before the next assessment which commenced in July 2026.
Nigeria became an implementing country of the EITI in 2004, enacted the NEITI Act in 2007 and has remained one of Africa’s leading implementing countries. Through NEITI, the country continues to advance reforms that promote openness, strengthen public oversight and improve governance across the extractive industries.
The Mission is expected to end on the 14th of August 2026.
