NEITI, BPSR Seek Collaboration on Transparency in Extractive Industries

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) have met in Abuja, with a view to fostering more transparency in the oil, gas and mining sectors.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Ogbonnaya Orji, noted that the National Assembly must pressure the companies and government agencies to account for proceeds and utilisation of receipts.

As Nigerians await the release of its 2021 audit report in the coming  weeks, Orji urged the lawmakers to act to bring non-compliant companies and agencies to book.

“When we release this report, it will lay squarely on the door of the National Assembly. It is to study the report and that is also when we will be relying on you (BPSR) to help us push and the National Assembly should discuss the report and cause change to happen.

 “Whatever we have recommended agencies that have been found defiant, …should be invited to give account and then follow it up,” he stated.

Orji further noted the two organisations needed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure more openness in the extractive industries.

“In the extractive industries we provide the information and data and what we do to engage with relevant government agencies and possibly come together by doing business with government on how to push reforms in these areas,” he noted.

On his part, the Director General, BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Arabi, noted that the organisation‘s mandate was to usher in transformative changes that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government. He explained the mandate aligns closely with NEITI’s objectives, which revolve around promoting transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil, gas, and mining revenues.