The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has called on oil, gas, and mining companies to collaborate in improving performance and accountability within the sector. NEITI, responsible for overseeing transparency in Nigeria’s extractive industries, reiterated its commitment to combating corruption and fostering better business practices through public disclosure and good governance.
Speaking at the NEITI-Companies Forum in Lagos, Abdel-Jeleel Taiwo Olasupo, the South West representative on the Board, emphasised the importance of these companies in NEITI’s operations. He encouraged them to visit the agency’s website for more information and to actively engage with the board by offering suggestions and feedback.
Olasupo assured that insights gathered from the forum will inform policy development and strategic planning for the new Board. He urged companies to strengthen their relationship with NEITI, fostering collaboration that will enhance the business environment in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
“I invite you to please visit NEITI Website www.neiti.gov.ng for detailed information about this important federal agency. This is very important. I am also available to work with you and help bridge the gap between Lagos and Abuja in particular and the South West in general in NEITI operations,” he said.
“There are three major stakeholders directly involved in the implementation of NEITI globally including Nigeria. They are the Government that owns all the natural resources in Nigeria, then the citizens represented by the civil society and above all the extractive industries companies that extract these minerals and turn them into revenues for the benefits of both the government and the citizens.
“This is why the NEITI Board places very priority in its relationship and engagements with the oil, gas and mining industry companies well represented at this meeting. For us in the current Board, without the Companies there is no industry.
“The decision by our Board to place priority attention to the NEITI-Companies Forum is to have a forum to listen to your concerns, receive your advice, suggestions and expectations from NEITI. This is what this meeting and this forum is all about.
“It is also an important forum to explore areas to strengthen our partnership with each other, share information and learn from each other. NEITI is your friend and partner and we should view our relationship with you in this forum from this perspective going forward.”
