Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has urged members of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) to prioritize transparency in their duties.
He emphasized that the activities of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) are closely monitored by the International Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the press.
The SGF, represented by Mr. Simon Tyungu, Director of the SGF Main Office, made this statement during the inauguration of the IMTT in Abuja.
He stressed the importance of conducting their assignments with utmost diligence, considering the visibility of NEITI’s activities.
“In the conduct of this business, in the conduct of our assignment, we have to be mindful of what we do because NEITI activities are in the glare of the press and the international body EITI,” Mr. Tyungu reiterated.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Senator Akume assured that the team would perform their duties to the best of their abilities. He recognized the task as demanding and highlighted the commitment of members to achieve their objectives.
Meanwhile, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, underscored the significance of the IMTT in the EITI process in Nigeria. He noted that the IMTT was established following the release of the first NEITI oil and gas report covering the years 1999-2004. Its primary responsibility is to meticulously study NEITI industry reports across the oil, gas, and solid minerals sectors, as well as the Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursement (FASD) report.
Dr. Orji further outlined the objectives of the IMTT, which include mapping out key findings and recommendations from NEITI reports, identifying responsible agencies for implementing remedial actions, and developing strategies to monitor and report progress on the implementation of these recommendations.
The Executive Secretary emphasized that NEITI aims to ensure its reports do not gather dust but contribute to enhancing government oversight and reform in the extractive sectors. He expressed confidence in the IMTT framework to track achievements and impacts in the sector effectively.
The IMTT, chaired by the SGF’s office, consists of representatives from key agencies such as the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Ltd, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Ministry of Petroleum Resources, among others.
Dr. Orji concluded by stating NEITI’s commitment to publishing its 2022-2023 industry reports by September 2024. He expressed gratitude to stakeholders and partners, including President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, Civil Society Organizations, NEITI-Companies forum, and anti-corruption agencies for their cooperation and support.
The IMTT’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive industries is pivotal, as it helps in making informed decisions concerning investments in the sector.
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