EITI Assessors Arrive as Nigeria Faces Crucial Test of Oil, Gas and Mining Transparency Reforms!
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria is entering a critical phase in its efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of its oil, gas and mining resources as the international assessment process under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) moves into its in-country stage.
The exercise is expected to scrutinise the progress Nigeria has made in implementing reforms across the extractive sector, including improvements in disclosure, revenue governance, contract transparency, beneficial ownership information, state-owned enterprises, anti-corruption measures and stakeholder participation.
The 2026 EITI Validation formally commenced on July 1, 2026, with an international validation team scheduled to visit Nigeria in August to engage relevant government institutions, extractive companies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The assessment is particularly significant because it will be Nigeria’s first validation under the 2023 EITI Standard, which places greater emphasis on the practical impact of transparency reforms rather than simply measuring whether governments publish reports and data.
Recent Nigerian media reports, including coverage by Vanguard, The Punch, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation and Channels Television, indicate that the Federal Government and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have been preparing extensively for the assessment. (Vanguard News)
A high-stakes assessment for Nigeria
The EITI Validation process is designed to provide an independent assessment of how effectively an implementing country meets the requirements of the global EITI Standard.
The EITI describes Validation as its quality-assurance mechanism for assessing implementation, identifying areas requiring improvement and recognising progress made by participating countries. It also provides an opportunity for governments, companies and civil society to communicate their perspectives on the effectiveness and sustainability of the country’s EITI process. (EITI)
For Nigeria, the exercise carries particular importance because of the central role played by the extractive industries in the national economy.
The EITI notes that Nigeria is Africa’s largest natural-gas reserve holder and one of the world’s major oil producers. The organisation also points to the continuing importance of oil and gas to government revenue and exports, while noting that the country’s mining sector remains comparatively underdeveloped. (EITI)
Consequently, weaknesses in transparency within the extractive sector can have consequences extending far beyond the industry itself.
Questions about how licences are awarded, how companies pay government, how revenues are recorded and distributed, how state-owned enterprises operate and whether citizens can access reliable information are directly connected to public accountability and economic governance.
Nigeria’s previous EITI performance
Nigeria’s last EITI Validation, conducted under the previous 2019 Standard, resulted in an overall “moderate” score of 72 points in 2023, according to the EITI.
The new exercise will therefore provide an opportunity to determine whether Nigeria has addressed weaknesses identified during the previous assessment and whether reforms introduced since then have produced measurable institutional improvements. (EITI)
The EITI’s published assessment of Nigeria identifies several areas where progress has been made, while also highlighting areas where further work remains necessary.
The organisation says Nigeria has made progress in areas including legal and fiscal transparency and public access to information on the extractive industries.
However, its assessment has also identified continuing challenges involving systematic disclosure, oil and gas revenue management, transparency around state-owned enterprises and the traceability of extractive-sector revenues.
Those findings make the current validation more than a routine international review.
It is an opportunity to determine whether reforms have moved from policy commitments and individual disclosures into durable institutional practices.
Focus shifts from reports to impact
One of the major changes under the newer EITI framework is the stronger emphasis on impact.
NEITI Executive Secretary Musa Adar has repeatedly stressed that Nigeria’s performance should no longer be judged simply by the number of reports it publishes.
According to recent statements reported by Nigerian media, Adar said the global EITI process has evolved from an emphasis on reporting towards measuring how transparency affects public policy, institutional performance, revenue governance and citizens’ welfare. (Vanguard News)
That represents an important shift in the way extractive-sector transparency is evaluated.
Publishing information is valuable only when citizens, regulators, lawmakers, journalists, investors and civil society organisations can use that information to scrutinise decisions and demand accountability.
The ultimate question is therefore whether greater disclosure changes how natural resources are governed.
For Nigeria, that could mean examining whether information about oil production, government revenues, contracts, ownership structures and payments is sufficiently accessible and reliable to support meaningful public oversight.
Petroleum Industry Act among key reform developments
Nigeria’s extractive-sector governance has undergone significant institutional changes since the previous validation.
One of the most important developments was the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, which introduced a new framework for the governance, administration and management of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
The EITI notes that the PIA created new arrangements for petroleum-sector governance, including stronger provisions concerning host communities. (EITI)
The law also formed part of a broader attempt to clarify regulatory responsibilities and create a more predictable framework for investment in the petroleum industry.
The current validation will provide an external opportunity to assess how such reforms have been implemented in practice.
The existence of legislation does not necessarily guarantee effective governance.
The assessment must also consider whether institutions are implementing the rules, whether information is being disclosed systematically and whether citizens and stakeholders can meaningfully participate in decisions affecting natural-resource management.
Beneficial ownership and contract transparency
Another area receiving increased attention is beneficial ownership transparency.
Beneficial ownership information can help reveal the individuals who ultimately control or benefit from companies participating in the extractive sector.
This is important because corporate structures can sometimes make it difficult for the public to identify the real beneficiaries of natural-resource transactions.
The 2023 EITI Standard also places stronger emphasis on systematic disclosures and contract transparency.
The Federal Government has identified these areas among the reforms being addressed ahead of the validation.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of Nigeria’s National Stakeholders Working Group, George Akume, recently said the 2023 Standard places greater emphasis on systematic disclosures, beneficial ownership, contract transparency, state-owned enterprises, anti-corruption measures, environmental reporting, energy transition and stakeholder participation. (Vanguard News)
These areas are particularly relevant to Nigeria given the scale and complexity of its petroleum industry.
Revenue accountability remains central
At the heart of the EITI process is the question of how much money governments receive from natural resources and how those revenues are managed.
The EITI’s existing assessment of Nigeria found that revenue management remains an area requiring improvement.
Its preliminary assessment rated distribution of extractive revenues as “mostly met”, noting concerns around the traceability and management of certain oil and gas revenues, including funds associated with state-owned entities. (EITI)
This issue is particularly important in Nigeria because oil and gas revenues have historically represented a significant component of public finances.
Improved revenue transparency can help Nigerians understand how much money is generated from natural resources, which institutions receive the funds and how those resources are reflected in public budgets.
Greater transparency can also help investors assess the reliability of Nigeria’s regulatory and fiscal environment.
NNPC transparency under scrutiny
The management of oil revenues through Nigeria’s national oil company remains another important aspect of the transparency discussion.
The EITI has previously identified room for greater transparency in certain areas of NNPC’s oil sales, including information about buyer selection and comparisons between reported sales values and prevailing market prices.
The organisation’s country assessment said the objective of transparency in in-kind oil and gas revenues had been fulfilled but had not yet been exceeded because of remaining gaps in areas such as buyer selection and analysis of transaction values. (EITI)
These issues illustrate why the validation process matters.
A successful transparency framework should allow citizens and institutions to understand not only how much oil is produced, but also how it is sold and how the resulting revenues are accounted for.
Government expresses confidence
Despite the challenges, the Federal Government has expressed confidence that Nigeria will perform strongly in the 2026 validation.
Akume said the government views the process as an opportunity to demonstrate progress in strengthening governance, addressing previous corrective actions and institutionalising reforms.
He also argued that success should not be measured solely by the number of reports produced or the volume of information disclosed.
Instead, he said transparency should strengthen public institutions, improve investor confidence, restore public trust and contribute to sustainable development. (Vanguard News)
The government has therefore framed the validation as both an assessment and an opportunity to reinforce reforms.
NEITI has also conducted engagements with civil society organisations and the media ahead of the exercise.
In June, Channels Television reported that NEITI said it had addressed several corrective actions from the previous validation, including issues relating to stakeholder engagement, contract disclosure, resource-backed loans, subnational transfers and transparency involving state-owned enterprises. (Channels Television)
Civil society’s role
Civil society participation is a fundamental component of the EITI framework.
The EITI’s call for stakeholder views ahead of Nigeria’s validation specifically sought information about whether government, companies and civil society were fully, actively and effectively involved in implementation.
It also asked stakeholders to identify barriers affecting participation and to comment on the overall quality and impact of Nigeria’s EITI implementation. (EITI)
The process also examines whether civil society representatives are able to speak freely about transparency and natural-resource governance issues without restraint, coercion or reprisal.
That makes civil society engagement an important indicator of the health of Nigeria’s broader transparency environment.
An EITI assessment cannot provide a complete picture if government and companies disclose information but civil society organisations are unable to scrutinise it publicly.
Nigeria sought a delay but validation proceeded
The road to the current assessment has not been without complications.
Nigeria’s EITI National Stakeholders Working Group requested a postponement of the validation, citing budgetary constraints and delays in funding the production of Nigeria’s 2024 EITI Report.
The EITI Board rejected the request and retained July 1, 2026 as the commencement date.
The international body said Nigeria’s 2024 EITI Report was expected to be published in October 2026 because of the delays, although the country argued that the report would be important in demonstrating progress under the 2023 Standard. (EITI)
The decision means the Nigerian authorities must demonstrate progress using the documentation and evidence available within the validation timetable.
It also underlines the importance of predictable funding for institutions responsible for transparency and accountability.
Mining sector also in focus
Although oil and gas dominate public discussion about Nigeria’s natural resources, the validation covers the wider extractive sector, including mining.
Nigeria has sought to develop its solid-minerals industry as part of efforts to diversify the economy away from excessive dependence on petroleum.
Greater transparency in mining licences, beneficial ownership, production, payments and revenue distribution will therefore become increasingly important as investment in the sector expands.
The objective is to ensure that the development of solid minerals does not reproduce governance weaknesses historically associated with other natural resources.
Transparent licensing and revenue management can help attract legitimate investment while reducing opportunities for corruption and illicit exploitation.
What the assessment could mean for Nigeria
The outcome of the EITI validation could have implications for Nigeria’s international reputation in natural-resource governance.
A strong assessment could reinforce confidence in the country’s reform programme and demonstrate that institutional changes are producing measurable improvements.
It could also strengthen Nigeria’s case when seeking investment in oil, gas and mining.
A weaker outcome, on the other hand, could highlight unresolved deficiencies and require additional corrective action.
Either way, the most important measure will be what happens after the assessment.
Transparency is not an end in itself.
The publication of information must lead to better decisions, stronger oversight and improved management of public resources.
For ordinary Nigerians, the relevance of the EITI process ultimately comes down to whether the country’s natural resources generate greater public value.
A test of reform credibility
Nigeria’s 2026 EITI Validation comes at a consequential moment for the country’s extractive industries.
The government is pursuing reforms intended to increase oil production, attract investment, develop the mining sector and strengthen public finances.
At the same time, citizens continue to demand greater accountability over how natural resources are managed.
The international assessors’ review will therefore test not only Nigeria’s compliance with a global transparency standard but also the credibility of the country’s broader governance reforms.
NEITI has said Nigeria is prepared for the exercise, while the Federal Government has expressed confidence in a favourable outcome.
The final assessment, however, will be determined through the EITI’s independent validation process rather than government expectations.
For Wengglobal, the significance of the exercise lies in that distinction.
Nigeria’s natural resources belong to the public, and transparency must ultimately enable citizens to understand how those resources are managed, how much revenue they generate and whether the benefits reach the wider population.
The arrival of the international assessment team therefore marks an important accountability moment.
It provides an opportunity to examine what has changed since the previous validation, where reforms have delivered measurable progress and where significant gaps remain.
The credibility of Nigeria’s extractive-sector reforms will not be determined solely by a validation score.
It will be judged over time by the quality of institutions, accessibility of information, integrity of revenue management, enforcement of regulations and the extent to which natural-resource wealth contributes to sustainable development.
As the 2026 EITI Validation progresses, Wengglobal will continue to track the assessment, the findings that emerge and the government’s response to any recommendations.
The central question is straightforward: has Nigeria’s commitment to extractive-sector transparency moved beyond disclosure to produce stronger institutions, greater accountability and tangible public value?
The answer will help determine how the country’s oil, gas and mining reforms are viewed both at home and internationally.
Sources
- Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) — Nigeria 2026 Validation information and stakeholder consultation. The EITI confirms that Nigeria’s next validation is the first under the 2023 EITI Standard and commenced on July 1, 2026. (EITI)
EITI — Nigeria 2026 Validation - Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) — Nigeria country profile and previous validation findings, including Nigeria’s 72-point “moderate” rating in 2023 and outstanding transparency issues. (EITI)
EITI — Nigeria country profile - Channels Television — “Nigeria Set For 2026 Global EITI Validation — NEITI,” June 29, 2026. The report covers NEITI’s preparations, stakeholder engagement and the corrective actions being addressed before the validation. (Channels Television)
Channels Television — Nigeria Set For 2026 Global EITI Validation - Vanguard — “FG confident Nigeria will pass 2026 EITI validation,” July 27, 2026. The report covers the Federal Government’s confidence in the assessment and the planned August visit by the international validation team. (Vanguard News)
Vanguard — FG confident Nigeria will pass 2026 EITI validation - The Punch — “Leverage EITI validation to boost oil, mining transparency, FG urges stakeholders,” July 27, 2026. The report details government preparations and the call for stakeholders to use the process to deepen reforms. (Punch Newspapers)
The Punch — Leverage EITI validation to boost oil, mining transparency - The Guardian Nigeria — “FG pushes sweeping extractive sector reforms ahead 2026 EITI validation,” July 27, 2026. The report covers the government’s reform agenda and the significance of the validation. (The Guardian Nigeria)
The Guardian Nigeria — FG pushes sweeping extractive sector reforms - The Nation — “Fed govt urges stakeholders to use EITI validation to deepen extractive sector reforms,” July 27, 2026. The report provides additional coverage of the Abuja strategic retreat and preparations for the international validation exercise. (The Nation Newspaper)
The Nation — Fed govt urges stakeholders to use EITI validation
Editorial clarification: The EITI Validation process officially commenced on July 1, 2026. Nigerian media reported that the international validation team was expected to visit Nigeria in August. The article therefore distinguishes between the commencement of the formal validation process and the assessors’ in-country visit, rather than implying that the entire assessment began only with their arrival.
