Global EITI Assessors Arrive Nigeria for 2026 Validation Exercise 

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja 

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has announced the arrival of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) assessors as part of the ongoing 2026 EITI validation exercise which commenced on July 1, 2026.

The presence of the EITI Mission in Nigeria, a statement from NEITI spokesperson, Obiageli Onuorah, said marks a significant stage in Nigeria’s validation and forms part of the global EITI validation process.

During the mission which commenced August 10 2026, the assessors will undertake a comprehensive quality assurance assessment and hold consultations with key stakeholders, including government institutions, the National Assembly, extractive companies, civil society organisations, development partners, anti-corruption agencies, host communities, the media and other stakeholders. 

According to the statement, the consultations are designed to provide the assessors with diverse perspectives on Nigeria’s implementation of the EITI standard and ongoing reforms in the extractive sector. Announcing the arrival of the validation mission, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Musa  Adar, described the mission as an important opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the governance of its extractive industries.

“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles of the extractive industries transparency initiative. We regard the validation process as an opportunity not only to assess the progress we have made, but also to highlight areas where further reforms can enhance extractive sector governance,” he stated.

Adar noted that NEITI, working in collaboration with the National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) and other stakeholders, had concluded extensive preparations for the exercise, including the submission of Nigeria’s validation documentation and targeted stakeholder engagements in line with the requirements of the 2023 EITI Standard.Emmanuel AddehAdar noted that NEITI, working in collaboration with the National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) and other stakeholders, had concluded extensive preparations for the exercise, including the submission of Nigeria’s validation documentation and targeted stakeholder engagements in line with the requirements of the 2023 EITI Standard.

In January 2023, Nigeria underwent its fourth validation exercise under the 2019 EITI Standard. Based on the validation report, Nigeria achieved a moderate overall score of 72 points in implementing the EITI.