The Global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative validation team has arrived in Nigeria to assess the country’s progress in improving transparency and accountability in the oil, gas and mining sectors.
The validation mission, which begins on Monday (tomorrow), is part of the 2026 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Validation Exercise that commenced on July 1.
The exercise is particularly significant for Nigeria, as it provides an opportunity for the country to demonstrate how far it has implemented the corrective actions identified during its previous assessment and strengthened the governance of its natural resources.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Communications and Stakeholders Management, Obiageli Onuorah, said the arrival of the global assessors marked a major stage in the ongoing validation process.
The mission is expected to run from August 10 to August 14, during which the assessors will conduct a comprehensive quality assurance assessment and consult a wide range of stakeholders involved in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative announces the arrival of the Global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative 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.
“During the mission, which commences August 10th 2026, the Validation Assessors will undertake a comprehensive quality assurance assessment and hold consultations with key stakeholders”
The stakeholders include government institutions, the National Assembly, oil, gas and mining companies, civil society organisations, development partners, anti-corruption agencies, host communities and the media.
The assessors will also meet senior government officials and key institutions involved in the management and oversight of Nigeria’s extractive resources.
Among those expected to meet the mission are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the NEITI Board, Senator George Akume; members of the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group; the Ministers of Finance and Budget and Economic Planning; the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited; NEITI’s Inter-Ministerial Task Team; members of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and other relevant committees of the National Assembly, as well as the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
The consultations are expected to give the assessors an opportunity to hear directly from stakeholders about the country’s implementation of the EITI Standard, ongoing reforms and outstanding challenges in the extractive sector.
Commenting, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Musa Adar, described the exercise as an important opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to responsible management of its oil, gas and mining resources.
“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,” Sarkin Adar said.
The NEITI boss said the agency had worked with the National Stakeholders Working Group and other stakeholders to prepare for the assessment.