By Onu Okorie
Civil society organisations CSOs have called for stronger implementation of transparency reforms, expanded civic space, and deeper stakeholder engagement in Nigeria’s extractive sector as the country undergoes the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative EITI Validation process.
The call was made by Dr. Erisa Danladi, Civil Society Organisation Representative on the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative NEITI National Stakeholder Working Group NSWG, during an engagement session with civil society groups as part of Nigeria’s EITI Validation exercise.
Speaking at the event, Danladi described the validation process as an important opportunity for stakeholders to assess Nigeria’s compliance with global transparency standards while identifying areas requiring improvement in governance, accountability and resource management.
According to him, the exercise should not be viewed merely as a compliance assessment but as a platform for reflection, learning and renewed commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability in the country’s extractive industries.
He noted that independent and effective participation of civil society remains critical to the credibility and success of the EITI process, stressing that the EITI Standard guarantees the right of civil society groups to engage fully in the process without intimidation, coercion or undue restrictions.
Danladi commended Nigeria’s progress in implementing the EITI Standard through NEITI, citing achievements in the production of credible audit reports, beneficial ownership disclosures, contract transparency initiatives and broad stakeholder engagement across the extractive sector.
He said these efforts had enhanced public understanding of resource governance issues and contributed to improved accountability in the management of the nation’s natural resources.
The CSO representative also highlighted the role of civil society organisations in advancing transparency through research, advocacy campaigns, community engagements, policy dialogues and dissemination of NEITI reports. He added that CSOs have consistently monitored the implementation of NEITI recommendations and pushed for reforms in areas such as environmental justice, community rights, energy transition and beneficial ownership transparency.
Despite the progress recorded, Danladi identified several challenges that continue to affect extractive sector governance.
He said there is a need to deepen stakeholder engagement, particularly at community and sub-national levels where the effects of extractive activities are most directly experienced. He also called for improved implementation of NEITI audit recommendations, greater accessibility and usability of data, and stronger transparency mechanisms in the solid minerals sector.
Danladi further emphasized the importance of protecting civic space, describing an independent and enabling environment for civil society as indispensable to the effective implementation of the EITI Standard.
He urged stakeholders to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and association while promoting inclusive participation of women, youths, host communities and other marginalized groups in extractive governance processes.
As part of its recommendations, the civil society constituency called for stronger mechanisms to ensure the implementation of NEITI recommendations by relevant government institutions, expansion of community-level engagement and domestication of NEITI processes across states.
The group also advocated sustained capacity building and access to information for civil society organisations, greater transparency in the solid minerals sector, particularly in licensing, beneficial ownership, contract disclosure and environmental compliance, as well as enhanced collaboration among government, industry and civil society stakeholders.
Danladi reaffirmed the commitment of civil society organisations to constructive engagement and collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure Nigeria continues to advance transparency, accountability and sustainable resource governance.