…Deploys NAMS System To Minimise Errors
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has deployed its Automated Information-Gathering Infrastructure (NAMS) for the conduct of the 2022-2023 Audit Reports, disclosing that the report would be completed in September this year.
Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji disclosed this during a Press Briefing at the NEITI House on Wednesday in Abuja.
The NEITI Audit Management System (NAMS) automates the data-collection component of the NEITI audit process. It allows reporting entities to make submissions to NEITI in a more seamless and efficient way.
Giving further details on the audit reports, Dr. Orji disclosed that two indigenous independent Administrators have been engaged to conduct the exercise.
“They are Haruna Yahaya for the Solid Minerals report and Adeshile Adedeji & Co for the conduct of the oil and gas report.
“We have also set September, 2024 as the date for the completion of the reports. We have deployed our automated information-gathering infrastructure-NAMS for the conduct of the exercise”, he said.
The NEITI boss disclosed that the agency is set to host the maiden edition of the NEITI House Dialogue, a quarterly policy engagement series that would host notable policymakers who would address policy issues and reforms in the extractive sector, adding that the NUPRC CCE, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe would grace the maiden edition of the NEITI House Dialogue.
Dr. Orji also noted that the NEITI Inter-Ministerial Task Team has been reconstituted after about seven (7) years, and would be inaugurated on the 13th May 2024 with high-ranking officers not less than a director, as part of the team.
He said, the IMTT was saddled with the responsibility of implementing recommendations and findings of the NEITI’s industry reports and deepen government oversight and reforms in the extractive sector.
He revealed that a draft remediation plan is being developed for implementation in line with NEITI’s mission and strategic plan which is to institutionalize accountability mechanisms and processes to instill a culture of transparency and participation in Nigeria’s extractive sector for the benefit of all.
“The IMTT program also aims to increase integrity and transparency within regulatory agencies and operators in the extractive industries”, he added.
Orji announced that research study and publications on PMS consumption in Nigeria before and after subsidy removal, and Policy Brief/ Advisory on Domestic Resource Mobilisation would commence next month.
He said, currently, the agency is in talks with the Management of Dangote Refinery on the need for EITI Compliance, adding that the Dangote Refinery has been invited to join EITI as a supporting company.
The ES also disclosed that the NEITI Management would be proceeding on a week-long retreat to develop the strategy and framework for the implementation of its policies and programmes including the post validation corrective actions.
He added that a similar retreat is being planned for the Board immediately it is inaugurated by the President.
He extended his heart-felt gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, and the Chairman of the NEITI NSWG, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, sister agencies, the NEITI-Companies Forum, the civil society and media for their commitment, steadfastness and support to the implementation of the EITI in Nigeria.
