The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has relocated to its own permanent office complex.
At the official unveiling of the office complex named NEITI House, located at Wuye District in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the transparency agency, Orji Ogbannaya Orji, described as historic the relocation of the office from Asokoro District from where it operated from its inception.
With the building Nigeria has again set a record as a pacesetter among the 53 members of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) by becoming the first to own its permanent office.
Orji said the movement of the office was a milestone achievement that has brought an end to the agency’s 18 year’s dependency on rented accommodation, which constituted a huge challenge to NEITI operations over the years.
Orji expressed the appreciation of the Board and management of NEITI to President Muhammadu Buhari for the support of his administration towards acquisition of the office building.
He said the NEITI House would serve not only as a Centre for the promotion of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives in Nigeria, but also a center for the advancement of transparency, accountability and good governance, multi stakeholders collaboration, research, civic engagement and knowledge development on extractive industries reforms.
“The NEITI House will also provide the conducive environment to strengthen constructive dialogue, broaden discussions with governments, extractive companies, civil society organisations, the media development partners and the public who constitute NEITI’s key stakeholders in the implementation of its mandates,” the Executive Secretary added.
The NEITI House located at Danladi Kifasi Street, Wuye District Abuja has operational offices for the management and staff, Conference and meeting rooms, a Data Centre, library and other facilities.
Nigeria which joined the EITI in 2003, began implementation in 2004 and supported the policy with the NEITI Act of 2007.
The mandate of NEITI and the EITI globally is to ensure transparency and accountability in revenue flows accruing from the extractive industry.
The objective is to ensure that extractive resources aid sustainable development with specific target on poverty reduction, elimination of social conflicts and creation of a peaceful business environment in Nigeria.
