NEITI urges stakeholders to use oil, gas report for public debate

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has urged stakeholders to utilise its 2022/2023 oil and gas report for civic engagement, constructive dialogue, and public debate. NEITI’s executive secretary, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, made the call at the report’s public presentation on Thursday in Abuja. EFCC chair Ola Olukoyede unveiled the report alongside George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation. Mr Akume is also the chairman of the NSWG, NEITI and other dignitaries. Orji emphasised the report’s significance in guiding policy, encouraging public debate, and improving governance in natural resource management.

He highlighted the report’s comprehensive data on revenues, governance structures, operations, and compliance within the oil and gas sector. Speaking at the public presentation of the report, Mr Akume reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to transparency principles. Mr Olukoyede pledged to investigate the report’s findings and recommendations, noting that NEITI’s previous reports led to the recovery of over N1 billion. The report is available on NEITI’s website, providing valuable insights into the sector’s performance and challenges. The presentation was attended by chairpersons of National Assembly committees, captains of industries, members of diplomatic missions, development partners, civil society organisations and the media. (NAN)