The outgoing Govt Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, on Thursday formally handed over management to his successor, Hon. Musa Adar, reflecting on a tenure he described as fulfilling all the guarantees he made when he assumed workplace in 2021.
Talking on the handover ceremony in Abuja, attended by authorities officers, NEITI board members, workers, and improvement companions, Orji stated he was leaving workplace “with deep gratitude and a robust sense of obligation,” affirming that “all that I promised, all that I requested for, and all that was wanted to reposition NEITI as a reputable establishment have been achieved. I’m assured that I fulfilled my mandate.”
He recalled that when he assumed workplace on February 19, 2021, NEITI was going through governance, structural, and operational challenges that threatened not solely its stability but additionally Nigeria’s standing inside the international Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
The company contended with a weakened board construction, outdated instruments, strained stakeholder relations, and the chance of eviction from its former workplace—challenges he stated “had been able to undermining Nigeria’s lively participation and compliance inside the international EITI framework.”
Orji defined that the extractive sector was quickly evolving with new international requirements on local weather reporting, systematic disclosure of information, and helpful possession transparency, and NEITI wanted pressing operational upgrades.
In opposition to this backdrop, he set a reform agenda that included reconstituting the NEITI Board, increasing the scope and depth of business studies, recruiting expert younger professionals, enhancing workers welfare and remuneration, buying fashionable working instruments and autos, and pursuing amendments to the NEITI Act to align with the Petroleum Business Act and the 2019 EITI Customary.
Reflecting on legislative reforms, Orji famous that he intentionally averted adjustments that might compromise NEITI’s independence, emphasizing that such engagements with the Nationwide Meeting “require ability, diplomacy and cautious timing.”
Some of the vital accomplishments beneath his tenure, he stated, was sustaining full international compliance in oil, gasoline, and strong minerals audits, incomes distinctive rankings from the EITI Worldwide Secretariat, together with 92 p.c in information credibility.
He additionally highlighted development in human capital, rising workers from 39 to 70 professionals, revising remuneration, and enhancing working infrastructure.
Orji described the acquisition of NEITI’s everlasting headquarters as a landmark achievement, bought for N461 million and now valued at over N4 billion, calling it “a logo of institutional permanence and stability.”
He praised the technical committee that oversaw the relocation and enhancements in surrounding infrastructure, together with a significant interchange bridge.
He additionally pointed to the institution of NEITI’s fashionable Knowledge Centre, which has gained worldwide recognition as a mannequin for automated extractive sector information administration.
Though the deployment of software program for on-line firm submissions was postponed due to price range limitations, Orji confirmed that procurement was completed and inspired his successor to give attention to implementation
On statutory duties beneath the Petroleum Business Act, he emphasised the significance of NEITI’s collaboration with the NUPRC, NMDPRA, NNPC Restricted, civil society, and technical companions.
He additionally urged stronger oversight of the strong minerals sector, describing it as a quickly rising space with monumental potential.
Chatting with the workers, Orji emphasised loyalty, self-discipline, {and professional} respect, based mostly on his 40 years in civil service “A boss stays a part of one’s skilled document for all times,” he stated, warning in opposition to disloyalty and emphasising the long-term affect {of professional} conduct.
Representing the Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation, George Akume praised Orji’s tenure as “exemplary,” noting historic reforms, strengthened disclosures, improved inter-agency partnerships, and enhanced stakeholder confidence.
He confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had authorised Orji’s terminal go away with full advantages “in recognition of his patriotic and impactful service to the nation.”
The NEITI Board, represented by Loveth Onanuga, described Orji’s management as one marked by “unwavering dedication, professionalism, and deep dedication to transparency,” including, “Your legacy of integrity and excellence will proceed to encourage our collective efforts within the years forward.”
Workers members additionally paid tribute, with Assistant Director Buba Mohammed noting enhancements in welfare, instruments, infrastructure, and workers development. “We want him nicely and pray that God guides him and makes his method affluent,” he stated.
The newly appointed Govt Secretary, Musa Sirkin Ada, has garnered help from each the SGF and the board, who indicated their belief in his functionality to strengthen reforms and promote NEITI’s aims, highlighting his legislative background, public governance data, and preparedness to information the company right into a recent period of institutional duty.