The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating closely with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to advance transparent and accountable resource and governance programmes in the solid minerals sector.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, made this commitment during a visit by a delegation from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to the Ministry.
Dr. Alake highlighted the Ministry’s robust engagements with NEITI since 2011, emphasising the positive impact on its operations and determination to reform the sector.
The Minister affirmed the principles of reliable information, data integrity, and adherence to good governance, transparency, and accountability promoted by EITI. These principles are intentionally applied in the plans and policies of the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reform the mining sector.
”The new administration is more than determined to reform our country’s mining sector to overtake oil and gas in revenue generation, investment interests, and as an alternative domestic resource mobilisation base, job creation and poverty reduction options.”
“Working with NEITI over the years has been quite impactful in the areas of revenue generation and in driving evidence – based reforms . NEITI therefore remains one of our dependable allies and partner in data generation, data analysis and utilisation as a key tool in national planning and development,” stated the Minister.
Addressing NEITI’s last report for 2021, Dr. Alake assured the visitors that efforts are underway to expedite the report, address its recommendations, and strengthen the Ministry’s operations.
Acknowledging the global EITI assessment’s overall score of 72 percent given to the Ministry, Dr. Alake expressed satisfaction, stating that it demonstrates the credibility and global recognition of NEITI’s reports. He emphasized that the data from NEITI aligns with the Federal Government’s economic agenda and national priorities.
The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, explained that the EITI delegation briefed the Minister on areas of support to strengthen operations, particularly concerning agencies under the Ministry.
Mr. Bady Baldi, a member of the delegation, commended Nigeria’s achievements in implementing EITI objectives. He praised the country for establishing an electronic Cadastre system facilitating data disclosure, beneficial ownership data, and transparent policies in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.