The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, has sought the help of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) for more backup in its quest for transparency and accountability in the extractive industries in Nigeria.
This call was made in Abuja today by the Executive Secretary of the Initiative, Dr. Orji Ognonaya Orji when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the corporate headquarters of the EFCC, in Jabi, Abuja.
Orji stated that the mission of NEITI was to make the extractive industry open and accountable and solicited for the support of the EFCC to enforce compliance of industries falling short of its standards on disclosure of information and data.
“We need strong support of the EFCC to enforce compliance with disclosure of information and data by companies”, he said. In a presentation made to the management staff of the Commission, Orji disclosed that, 28 out of the 36 states of the federation are sourcing 84% of their revenue from allocation from the federation accounts.
He explained that, “NEITI findings and recommendations are leading reforms in the oil, gas and mining industries” and for the Initiative to deliver more optimal results to the nation, he called for stronger collaboration and synergy with the EFCC. “Our allies in this industry are few but with an ally like the EFCC, we feel strong and confident”, he said. He also called for joint training, capacity building and manpower development for staff of the EFCC and NEITI.
The EFCC boss in his response, stated that every anti-corruption effort should always stand on the pillar of transparency. He reiterated that lessons learnt as a result of fraud investigation should be a guiding principle for individuals, organizations and nations. “Corruption investigation is not just for investigation’s sake”. Lessons learnt should always be applied, he said.
He assured NEITI of enhanced collaboration. “We will renew our collaboration and mutual support. NEITI’s desks will be set up in our Zonal offices”, he said.
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