NEITI Seeks Stronger Ties with CSOs on Environmental Justice

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) have announced plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen civic engagements on environmental justice in the management of oil and gas emissions and gender issues, particularly in the extractive industries host communities.

The NEITI Executive Secretary, Dr  Ogbonnaya Orji, announced this in Abuja at a meeting with a delegation from ERA, which is based in the Niger Delta. The Organisation is known for promoting environmental justice in oil producing communities.

 Orji welcomed the special interest shown by the organisation to collaborate with NEITI in addressing the issue, a statement signed by the Deputy Director/Head Communications & Stakeholders Management, Obiageli Onuorah, said.

Orji added that the new focus of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) globally was on environmental justice, energy transition, climate change and gender equity.

He emphasised the importance of dialogue, constructive civil society engagement, policy-based discussions with government and extractive industry companies and with diverse stakeholders.

He further explained that to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing energy sector, NEITI had recently launched a five-year strategic plan that takes the

Responding, the Executive Director of ERA, Chima Williams, who also led the delegation, described the collaboration with NEITI as timely and a project his organisation was fully committed to pursue.

He drew NEITI’s attention to the inherent danger facing the Nigerian economy and environment of the Niger Delta region as well as the gradual divestment of international oil companies from onshore to offshore operations.