The extractive watchdog emphasized that its reports meet the highest global standards of accuracy and objectivity as recently affirmed in a recent global assessment of NEITI
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has refuted claims that it concealed some information from its 2021 oil and gas industry report.
NEITI, in a statement issued on Monday, described the claims as fictitious, and incorrect information from frivolous media reports.
The agency emphasised its dedication to transparency and objectivity, noting that its work process is not designed for any individual or group to seek financial reward or derive selfish benefits.
The body noted that the claims are a distraction from the core findings documented in the report.
“NEITI also considers this a distraction coming at a time when data from NEITI’s report has been internationally acknowledged and endorsed to be credible by the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in its recently released report of Nigeria’s international assessment.
“In the assessment, Nigeria recorded its highest score of 90 points on data integrity, comprehensiveness of report, outcomes, and impacts, contribution to economic growth and adherence to legal frameworks, a pointer to the enormous and painstaking efforts undertaken in generating the information and data contained in NEITI’s industry reports.
“It is also important to enlighten the petitioners that the tendency to seek financial entitlements from the NEITI process is a futile attempt at gold-digging, likened to chasing the wind.
“While NEITI welcomes criticisms of its processes, the agency advises that such criticisms need to be informed, constructive, facts and evidence-based, capable of promoting quality public debates.
“NEITI therefore, offers the petitioner free education, enlightenment, and capacity building on the NEITI/EITI process, its overall target of incentivizing reforms that enable natural resource revenues to support national development and poverty reduction in our society”, the statement read.
