FG Urges Stakeholders to Leverage 2026 EITI Validation for Extractive Sector Reforms

The Federal Government has called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s extractive industry to utilize the upcoming 2026 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Validation Exercise to advance transparency, accountability, and governance across the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the National Stakeholders’ Working Group, Senator George Akume, made the call in Abuja during the opening of a three-day joint strategic retreat. The meeting brought together members of the National Stakeholders’ Working Group and the senior management team of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to prepare for the international assessment.

Akume emphasized that the evaluation process should extend beyond standard compliance, serving as a platform for structural reforms designed to build public trust, attract foreign investment, and ensure sustainable resource management.

He noted that the success of EITI implementation is determined by the tangible impact of transparency on public institutions and investor confidence, rather than the volume of reports published. He added that the global EITI standards align with the current administration’s priorities regarding systematic disclosures, contract transparency, state-owned enterprise accountability, and environmental reporting.