By Isaac Aregbesola

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has called for support from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its quest to ensure transparency and accountability in the extractive industries in the country.

EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, quoted the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonaya Orji, as making the call in a statement after he led his team on a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede in Abuja.

Orji was quoted as saying that the mission of NEITI was to make the extractive industry open and accountable.

He, therefore, 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 were sourcing 84 per cent of their revenue from allocation from the federation accounts.

“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 a joint training, capacity building and manpower development for staff of the EFCC and NEITI.

In his response, the EFCC’s boss noted that every anti-corruption effort should always stand on the pillar of transparency.

He particularly said that lessons learnt as a result of fraud investigation should be a guiding principle for individuals, organisations 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. We will allow NEITI desks in our Zonal offices,” he said. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne