The newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Hon. Musa Adar, has officially assumed duty at the NEITI House.
In his inaugural address to staff and management, Adar vowed to apply his extensive legislative and oversight experience to boost NEITI’s visibility, relevance, and impact. He noted that although NEITI has earned a strong reputation as a champion of transparency in Nigeria’s extractive industries, its mandate must be better understood nationwide.
Adar acknowledged that NEITI’s reports have significantly influenced reforms, shaped key policies, and strengthened public trust. However, he stressed that more work lies ahead, especially as Nigeria prepares for its next global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) validation in July 2026.
A major priority for his administration, he said, is the amendment of the NEITI Act 2007. He explained that the current law does not give NEITI the authority and capacity required to fully discharge its responsibilities. Reviewing the Act, he noted, will equip the agency with stronger legal backing to enforce compliance, deepen reforms, and advance transparency and accountability across the extractive sector.
Adar recalled his longstanding involvement with NEITI during his 16 years in the National Assembly, particularly his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Upstream, which provided oversight for NEITI.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the organisation continues to publish credible, accurate, and accessible industry reports while strengthening systems that prevent revenue leakages caused by corruption or inefficiency.
He added that NEITI will develop new strategies to help the government maximise the nation’s mineral resources through beneficiation and value addition, thereby supporting sustainable economic growth.
Adar also pledged to invest in staff development and expand collaboration with government institutions, civil society, the media, industry players, the global EITI, and development partners.
“NEITI staff are the heart of this great agency. I will invest in your growth, provide the tools you need, and create the enabling environment where excellence thrives,” he assured.
Before his appointment, Adar served as Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
