The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, has said the growth of Nigeria’s extractive industries is dependent on the active engagement of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, in its activities.
He noted that CSOs are the watchdogs of democracy and governance, insisting that their role in the Nigerian extractive sector can only be effective when fully equipped to play industry-specific roles.
Orji made the assertions at the opening of a Civil Society Roundtable on the EITI Framework in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme; “NEITI’s Mission and the Pivotal Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Promoting Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance within Nigeria’s Extractive Sectors, Orji said, the CSOs serve as intermediaries between the public and the government, ensuring that transparency and accountability lead to public welfare improvements.”
He reminded the CSOs at the meeting of their roles in analyzing NEITI’s reports by identifying gaps in governance, revenue management, and environmental protection.
He explained, “CSOs’ issue-based advocacy helps push for legislative reforms that address these challenges while ensuring that the data in NEITI’s reports are used constructively to promote public debate and policy reform.
”CSOs provide fora where government, the private sector, and community groups can raise concerns about environmental and social issues impacting affected communities, ensuring these concerns are considered in national resource management policies”.
Orji emphasized the crucial role of civil society in ensuring that Nigeria’s wealth from natural resources is managed for the benefit of all citizens.
Making reference to the 2022/2023 Oil and Gas Industry Report, Orji urged CSOs to focus their advocacy and enlightenment activities on the significant findings in the document.
On crude oil theft, Orji noted that the report revealed that in 2023, about 7.68 million barrels of crude oil were either stolen or lost, a 79% drop compared to the figure recorded in 2022.
He encouraged CSOs to monitor the government’s strategies to combat oil theft and advocate for stronger environmental protections.
Regarding revenue losses and underreporting, Orji said the report disclosed that outstanding collectable revenues due to the Federal Government amounted to over $6.071 billion and ₦66.4 billion.
He added that CSOs must advocate for improved revenue collection mechanisms to ensure that the full value of Nigeria’s oil resources benefits the nation.
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