The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has expressed concern over what it described as continued lack of cooperation from some government institutions, warning that the development could threaten Nigeria’s performance in the 2026 validation exercise of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
NEITI Executive Secretary, Hon. Musa Seriki-Adar, raised the concern on Wednesday during a two-day Civil Society and Media Engagement on the 2026 Validation Exercise held in Abuja.
The engagement was organised by NEITI in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme.
Adar lamented that some critical government agencies have shown little commitment to supporting NEITI’s transparency efforts despite the importance of the validation process to Nigeria’s extractive sector.
He said several institutions have been slow in providing responses and necessary information requested by NEITI, a situation he noted was affecting the agency’s ability to effectively carry out its mandate.
According to him, some government bodies are yet to fully understand NEITI’s role in promoting transparency, accountability and attracting investment into the oil, gas and mining sectors.
“It is unfortunate that most agencies are not fully aware of NEITI’s functions and importance. NEITI is an enabler of investment in the oil and gas and mining sector,” he said.
The NEITI boss disclosed that the agency had earlier requested an extension of the 2026 validation timeline due to operational challenges, but the request was rejected by the EITI, leaving Nigeria with limited time to prepare.
He warned that failure to achieve a favourable outcome in the assessment could negatively affect Nigeria’s international reputation and discourage foreign investment in the extractive sector.
“If Nigeria loses this process, foreign investors in oil, gas and mining may not wish to come and invest in Nigeria,” Adar cautioned.
He also criticised bureaucratic delays by some institutions, noting that repeated follow-ups for data and disclosures often slow down NEITI’s reporting process and undermine efforts to strengthen resource governance.
Adar recalled that previous NEITI audits had uncovered significant revenue losses, including about $7 billion in unpaid obligations by companies operating in the extractive industry.
He said upcoming audit reports could reveal additional defaults, adding that the agency would recommend strict measures against companies that fail to meet their obligations.
“We will advise government to take necessary actions against all defaulting companies, including heavy penalties and possibly blacklisting them from doing business in Nigeria,” he stated.
The Chairman of the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by Dr. Steve Akpa, acknowledged the limited timeframe for the validation exercise and urged stronger cooperation among stakeholders.
Akume called on civil society organisations and the media to play active roles in supporting the process, stressing that collaboration would be essential to Nigeria’s success.
Also speaking, NEITI Director of Communications and Stakeholder Management, Obiageli Onuorah, said the 2026 validation would assess Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability and anti-corruption reforms.
She explained that the revised EITI framework places greater focus on data disclosure, public participation and accountability at the subnational level.
Onuorah urged civil society groups and media organisations to help address documentation gaps and ensure Nigeria presents a strong position during the assessment.
EITI validators are expected to arrive in Nigeria in August for a two-week review as the country seeks to improve its compliance rating and boost confidence in the management of its natural resources.