Media executives in the country have urged the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to beam the searchlight on the mining sector in the country, in a bid to rid it of underhand dealings.
A statement by the Head, Communications and Advocacy of the organisation, Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah, in Abuja, noted that the media professionals made the call when the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, visited some media houses in Lagos.
While congratulating Orji on his appointment, they tasked NEITI to pay special attention to the mining sector, enforce sanctions against infractions and support in building the capacity of their staff to understand the mechanics of the extractive industries.
The statement quoted the Chairman of Channels Television, Dr. John Momoh, as pledging to put at NEITI’s disposal its digital space with millions of followers.
“It is a matter of national interest. We are interested in knowing how much money is being spent and what is happening in Nigeria’s extractive industries. We will work with you. Just let us know what we can do,” Momoh said.
Orji stated that the advocacy visits have opened new chapters in NEITI’s relationship with the media and form part of his efforts at re-building trust and confidence towards the NEITI process.
He called for stronger and deeper partnership with the media in its advocacy to ensure prudent management of Nigeria’s natural resources.
According to the release, the visits also took the NEITI chief executive to the Lagos offices of the Managing Directors of Arise News and THISDAY Newspapers, Ms. Ijeoma Nwogwugwu and Mr. Eniola Bello respectively.
Orji said: “I am in Lagos to thank my colleagues in the media for their support and solidarity on my appointment and to seek collaboration and partnership. I regret that I am unable to visit all but only a few as a result of time and the Lagos traffic but will do so in the near future.”
He stated that the success of his job requires a lot of media collaboration in the use of data and information generated by NEITI to build knowledge and understanding, mobilise public support for a more transparent and accountable extractive industries.
He explained that NEITI exists to galvanise change in Nigeria’s natural resource management by making the findings and recommendations contained in its reports public, enlighten the people, and ultimately uplift their standard of living.
He commended the media chiefs for the quality of their programmes, experience and professionalism of their staff.
“Your media are very independent, analytical and insightful on issues. That is why we seek this relationship to enable us link our reports to visible impacts. I commend the young men and women you have given the opportunity to advance in the industry,” he added.
