NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
CSO applauds progress, encourages continued transparency in natural resources governance
General News

CSO applauds progress, encourages continued transparency in natural resources governance

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By Naomi Sharang

The civil society organisation Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Nigeria has commended ongoing efforts to improve governance in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

It acknowledged the progress made so far in promoting better oversight and management practices within the industry.

PWYP also called on all levels of government to continue strengthening transparency and accountability in the use of the country’s natural resource revenues.

The organisation emphasised that sustained commitment was essential to ensuring long-term benefits for citizens and communities.

This appeal was made by the National Coordinator of PWYP Nigeria, Dr Erisa Danladi, during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Danladi acknowledged the challenges posed by global geopolitical developments, such as the war in Ukraine, but emphasised that these underscored the importance of sound, transparent resource management to ensure economic resilience.

She highlighted the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), enacted in 2021, as a significant milestone in improving transparency and equity in the oil and gas sector.

She said that the legislation marked a major reform aimed at strengthening governance and accountability within the industry.

She particularly noted the Act’s provisions designed to ensure that host communities benefited meaningfully from extractive activities.

“These measures aim to promote social inclusion and address long-standing issues of marginalisation in oil-producing areas.

“As the PIA marks its fourth anniversary, PWYP sees this as a valuable opportunity to reinforce progress made in areas such as open contracting and beneficial ownership disclosure.”

Danladi lauded the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for successfully incorporating 137 Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) and encouraged efforts to complete the establishment of the remaining Trusts.

Reflecting on PWYP Nigeria’s journey since its founding in 2004, the same year Nigeria joined the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Danladi highlighted the organisation’s long-standing commitment to transparency and good governance in the extractive sector.

She celebrated PWYP’s contribution to major reforms, including the passage of the NEITI Act in 2007, which significantly improved public access to oil revenue data and marked a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to promote accountability in resource management.

She reaffirmed PWYP’s dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in the natural resource and energy sectors, working constructively with stakeholders to support sustainable development and equitable growth.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

CTA, NEITI urge stronger FOI Act to boost transparency
General News

CTA, NEITI urge stronger FOI Act to boost transparency

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By Naomi Sharang

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have called for stronger Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to boost transparency in Nigeria.

The Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, enacted in 2011, is an Act to make public records and information more freely available for public access to public records and information.

Executive Director, CTA, Faith Nwadishi and the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji made the call at “The North-Central Regional Roundtable on the FOI Act in Nigeria” held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The theme of the event is “14 Years of FOI and Extractives Transparency in Nigeria: Strengthening Access, Accountability and Citizen Engagement”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable is part of efforts under the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI).

It is a 12-month project CTA is implementing with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA.

In her address, Nwadishi said that the conversation was not just symbolic but was timely because the challenges around access to public information in Nigeria have reached a critical stage.

“Particularly in the extractive sector, which remains the economic lifeline of our country.

“Even with NEITI reports, it is still one of the most difficult sectors to obtain clear, timely and complete information from.

“The extractive sector—which includes oil, gas and solid minerals—is far too important to remain shrouded in secrecy with the huge revenue and foreign exchange earnings that come from the sector.

“It is also the sector most vulnerable to corruption, illicit financial flows, and opacity around contracts and revenue allocation.

“This is why NEITI’s reports are not just documents; they are vital instruments for FOI implementation,” she said.

She noted that there had been progress with the FOI Act since 2011 when former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Act into law but added that implementation remained weak.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji said that the FOI Act marked a transformative moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

He proposes an amendment to the FOI Act that introduces sanctions for those who weaponise it through falsehood, blackmail or institutional harassment.

“This law must protect access—and punish abuse. If we do not act, the FOI Act risks losing its moral force and democratic utility”

Orji recommended the enactment of legal penalties for FOI misuse involving false identities, misinformation and blackmail.

On her part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba said that the extractive sector relied heavily on transparency to foster sustainable development.

Jeddy-Agba was represented by Mariah Obafemi in the ministry.

She said: “The extractive industry is doing a lot well in the area of transparency and even in the area of complying with the FOI Act.

“The Attorney-General, by virtue of Section 29 of the Act, is mandated to submit annual compliance reports to the National Assembly.

“I can tell you that the extractive industry is doing well. They’ve been complying over the years,” she said.

Similarly, Programme Manager EU/RoLAC, Dr Emmanuel Uche, called for the deepening of the implementation of the FOI Act in Nigeria.

He urged civil society organisations and non-state actors to join hands again, to revive whistleblower’s laws, witness protection laws and public interest disclosure laws.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Align operations, investments with PIA framework for efficiency – SPE
Oil & Gas

Align operations, investments with PIA framework for efficiency – SPE

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigeria Council, has underscored the need to align operations and investments within the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) framework, to ensure the sector’s transparency, efficiency and investors’ confidence.

Dr Amina Danmadami, Chairman SPE, Nigeria Council, made this known on Thursday in Abuja at its 2025 edition of the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF).

The OLEF, with the theme as “Driving Energy Sustainability Through Technology, Policy and Supply Chain Excellence” was hosted by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

Danmadami who reaffirmed their commitment towards ensuring that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector remained future-proof, competitive and sustainable, described the implementation of the PIA as a landmark reform.

“The path to sustainability in our context is not one of displacement, but one of optimisation, leveraging technology to drive efficiency, tightening our supply chains and creating enabling policies to enhance sector resilience.

“Technology, whether through digital oilfields, reservoir optimisation, AI-based predictive maintenance or enhanced recovery techniques, continues to be a powerful enabler.

“With the right investments and strategic partnerships, these innovations can significantly improve productivity, reduce environmental impact and enhance asset integrity,” she said.

She emphasised the need for a robust supply chain for cost competitiveness and business continuity in the oil and gas industry, adding that the supply chain excellence must be a strategic priority.

“From local content development to procurement integrity and logistics optimisation, a robust supply chain is vital for cost competitiveness and business continuity.”

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Mr Ahmed Aminu, represented by Ifeoma Nwokeike, General Manager, Projects, PTDF, assured of robust partnership in advancing critical programmes and initiatives in the Oil and Gas sector

Aminu said since 2015, PTDF had remained a consistent supporter of the OLEF, recognising its strategic value as a platform for policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement and forward-thinking discourse on energy development in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

“The annual lecture series, commemorating the historic 1956 oil discovery at Oloibiri, represents more than a celebration of our petroleum legacy.

“It reflects our collective aspirations for sustainable energy growth through innovation, strategic partnerships, and capacity building.

“As the agency mandated to build human and institutional capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, we understand the critical interplay between robust policy, technological advancement and supply chain resilience in achieving energy security.

“PTDF remains committed to supporting initiatives like OLEF that drive innovation, empower professionals and shape policies that will define the future of energy in Nigeria,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Minister inaugurates service charter to deliver quality, affordable housing
Metro

Minister inaugurates service charter to deliver quality, affordable housing

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By Angela Atabo

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has inaugurated a Service Charter in its commitment to deliver quality and affordable housing to Nigerians.

The charter was inaugurated by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa on Wednesday in Abuja.

Dangiwa said that it was a bold statement of the ministry’s collective commitment to excellence, transparency, responsiveness and accountability in the discharge of duties to Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the document outlines the ministry’s vision, mission, and deliverables in providing quality and affordable housing, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

“As we all know, the civil service is the engine that drives the machinery of government headed by our Permanent Secretary.

“No matter how bold or visionary a government’s policies and programmes may be, their success or failure ultimately rests on the shoulders of the civil servants who are tasked with the implementation.

“When the civil service is competent, efficient and forward-thinking it becomes an invaluable asset, guiding political leaders and ensuring the continuity and success of government’s policies.

“A weak, unmotivated and inefficient civil service becomes a drag on progress, frustrating implementation and slowing down reforms and undermining the best intentions of the government,” he said.

Dangiwa said that the service charter outlined the standards of service that every department, unit and staff of the ministry should uphold.

According to him, it also gives citizens a clear picture of what they should expect from the ministry and how to hold it accountable to those expectations.

He urged members of staff to recommit themselves to giving their best in service and upholding the values of discipline, diligence and patriotism that define the Nigerian civil service.

The minister encouraged them to become enablers of change and not obstacles to progress.

“Let us embrace this charter, not just as a document, but as a culture.

“Let it guide our daily operations, shape our interactions with citizens and shareholders and inspire us to build a ministry that we can all be proud of,” he said

The minister said that the ministry would dedicate a special day during the SERVICOM week to recognise outstanding staff, customers, contractors, and consultants of the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuiab Belgore, said that the ministry was working to change the narrative of the housing sector.

Belgore said that to make this happen, the ministry innovated some reforms to drive internal productivity, and created a reward system for best staff of the month and the overall best for the year.

“That way, the members of staff will give their best in effective service delivery to the nation.

“I guarantee to Nigerians that the service we will provide will be exemplary,”he said

Also speaking, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, SERVICOM, presiding office, said that the inauguration of the service charter marked a significant step toward service improvement in the ministry.

Akajemeli said that its implementation would determine how well the ministry is positioned to really improve on the services provided to stakeholders.

She said that SERVICOM was an initiative of the Federal Government conceived to promote effective and efficient service delivery in the civil service.

“The concept was initiated by the government to ensure customer satisfaction and manage the performance and expectation gap between government and citizens.

“A service charter, therefore, is a document that describes the service experience that can be expected from the ministry to coordinate all matters concerning lands, housing and urban development,” she said.

Akajemeli,further described the service charter as an operational and performance enhancement tool that enshrined the trust between service providers and service takers containing realistic and measurable standards in specific key services of the ministry. (NAN)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Kadiri Abdulrahman

PPDC canvasses digital procurement processes, unveils strategic framework
General News

PPDC canvasses digital procurement processes, unveils strategic framework

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

An NGO, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), has called for digitalisation of procurement processes to enhance accountability and transparency in procurement governance.

The PPDC Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Lucy Abagi, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, at the presentation of the PPDC 2024-2028 Strategy Document, titled: `Leveraging Citizen Power for Sustainable Future’.

Abagi said that civil society organisations (CSOs) should not be the primary drivers of procurement processes, saying that government ownership was crucial.

She said that the government should provide regular updates on the use of taxpayers’ money and procurement processes.

According to her, the PPDC has been supporting government’s transparency for the past 22 years.

Abagi said that the NGO’s project, Transparency for Citizen Engagement, was aimed at leveraging citizens’ power for a sustainable future.

She further stated that the project was being implemented in three states: Kaduna, Ekiti and Adamawa to enhance accountability and transparency in the states’ procurement processes.

The chief executive officer said for more transparency in governance, there was the need for state procurement audits, contracting processes and annual reporting on government policies and practices.

“Procurement portals have been developed for the three states, with Kaduna and Ekiti using them efficiently.

“The portals provide detailed information on contractors, contract awards, jurisdictions and timelines.

“The portals also allow citizens to track contractor selection criteria and project monitoring criteria,’’ she said.

Abagi, however, said that observations showed gaps in procurement processes in spite of some progress, with abandoned and poorly executed projects.

She, therefore, called for transparency and accountability in government procurement to prevent project duplication and ensure contractor accountability.

The chief executive officer also urged the government to lead in procurement processes, open government partnerships and open contracting and funding to build capacity for managing procurement portals.

Also speaking, the Advocacy Officer, West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, Mr Austin Aigbe, said that corruption was the greatest challenge to the Nigerian state, with procurement being a significant loophole.

Aigbe underscored the importance of citizens’ participation in holding the government accountable for procurement fraud.

He said that eradicating procurement fraud would result in significant savings for the country.

The advocacy officer particularly cited the example of vehicle procurement where funds were repeatedly allocated but not used, leading to repeated expenditures.

According to him, procurement fraud ultimately leads to suffering by members of the public, as funds intended for public projects are diverted.

Aigbe, therefore, called on Nigerians to actively follow the procurement process and hold the government accountable through the PPDC strategy and online portals. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Stakeholders advocate FoI law in Edo, demand transparency
General News

Stakeholders advocate FoI law in Edo, demand transparency

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By Usman Aliyu

Civil society groups, legal experts, and media stakeholders have urged the Edo Government to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to enhance transparency and accountability.

The stakeholders made the submission during a town hall meeting on FOIA application, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) on Wednesday in Benin.

They highlighted the Act’s importance in empowering citizens to demand accountability.

In her opening address, CTA’s Executive Director, Faith Nwadishi, described corruption as a major threat to governance and development.

She emphasised the need for proactive FOIA implementation to track budgets and expose misconduct.

“We are not victims of corruption but powerful change agents. FOIA should be a tool for transparency, yet many citizens face barriers when trying to access vital information,” Nwadishi said.

She urged the Edo government to domesticate FOIA, noting that bureaucratic bottlenecks and deliberate denial of information hindered its effectiveness.

Representing the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, the Head of the FOI Unit in the Ministry of Justice, Garba Sunday, reaffirmed the Act’s role in governance.

He encouraged public institutions to proactively disclose information.

“FOIA guarantees citizens access to government records without requiring justification. Public institutions must ensure transparency by keeping records accessible,” he said.

He acknowledged that Edo had yet to enact a law regulating access to government records and urged the state to align with the federal FOIA to strengthen accountability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funded by the European Union through International IDEA.

The forum provided stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss leveraging FOIA

Participants pledged to intensify advocacy for FOIA domestication in Edo, emphasizing that access to information is crucial for democratic governance and social justice.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Transport ministry urges staff to promote integrity, transparency
General News

Transport ministry urges staff to promote integrity, transparency

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Musa Ibrahim, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, has urged the ministry’s staff to uphold integrity, honesty, and transparency in performing their duties.

Ibrahim, represented by Dr Vivian Nwosu, the Director of Special Duties in the ministry, gave the advice during the 2025 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) sensitisation and enlightenment workshop on Thursday in Abuja.

He emphasised that such attitudes would not only strengthen the ministry but also contributed to national development.

“This workshop aims to sustain a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and unethical practices within the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

“We encourage all staff to institutionalise integrity, honesty, and transparency, viewing any misuse of resources or power for personal gain as a serious breach,” Ibrahim added.

He stressed the importance of creating a workplace culture rooted in integrity, honesty, transparency, and good governance to minimise corruption and promote accountability.

He also highlighted that an organisation that embraced these values signalled its commitment to progress and development.

“Integrity in the workplace benefits both the government and its citizens. It fosters an open, positive work environment and strengthens teamwork.

“As public servants, it is crucial that you are reliable, trustworthy, and demonstrate a strong work ethic,” Ibrahim added.

He further emphasised the importance of accountability, urging staff to take responsibility for their actions, make sound decisions under pressure, and provide high-quality services to citizens.

Ibrahim also noted that with the political will to enforce ethical standards and penalise non-compliance, corruption could be eradicated in a sustainable manner.

He called for every staff member to demonstrate consistent integrity, discipline, and responsibility in their roles.

Mr Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offices Commission (ICPC), who was represented by Mr Olusegun Adigun, a senior official in the ICPC’s System Study and Review Department, also addressed the workshop.

He discussed the severe consequences of corruption, including its negative impact on foreign investment and Nigeria’s global reputation.

“Corruption leads to a decline in foreign investment, tarnishing Nigeria’s national image.

“Additionally, corruption contributes to poverty and preventable deaths,” Aliyu said.

Aliyu also revealed the financial cost of corruption in Nigeria, stating that the country lost approximately 30 billion dollars annually from 2005 to 2019 due to revenue leakages caused by corruption and illicit.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

CSO urges states to enforce FOI Act
General News

CSO urges states to enforce FOI Act

467 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has urged states yet to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to do so in order to ensure transparency in governance.

The Executive Director of CTA, Ms Faith Nwadishi, made the call at the meeting/project launch of “The Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI) Project held in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that project is with the support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA.

Nwadishi said that through SAGNI, CTA aimed to empower citizens, civil society organisations, youth and women’s groups among others, to demand accountability at all levels of governance.

She noted that since the FOI Act’s passage in 2011, some progress had been made particularly in promoting the effective use of the act but added that significant barriers remained.

“With so few states—Lagos and Ekiti, just the two—having domesticated the FOI Act, enforcement remains inconsistent,” she said.

She said that other challenges with the Act is that it had a concerning number of exemptions, making it challenging for the average citizen to access government information.

“Additionally, complex terminology within the Act, such as “public interest,” often creates ambiguity.

“Another challenge is Nigeria’s literacy rate, which stands at just 57.9 per cent limiting citizens’ understanding and engagement with the Act.

“A historical culture of secrecy within our public institutions—rooted in colonial-era practices—also continues to influence governance.

“While mindsets are slowly changing, this is an uphill battle that the CTA is dedicated to addressing,” Nwadishi said.

In his address, Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi said the FOI Act guarantees the right of citizens to request government information and records without establishing the intent or reason for the request.

Fagbemi was represented by Garuba Godwin, Head, Freedom of Information unit at the Ministry of Justice.

The minister said that the Act was applicable to all public institutions which included the three Arms of Government and private companies utilising public funds, providing public services or performing public functions.

He said his ministry was collaborating with different Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and l

public institutions in ensuring citizens’ participation in governance to strengthen transparency in public institutions and foster a culture of accountability.

The event had in attendance, commissioners of Justice from Edo and Anambra as well as representatives from CSOs, media, National Commission for Persons with disabilities and others.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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