By Hillary Asemota
The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, has said if the agency is to deliver transparently optimal results to the nation, there is need for stronger collaboration and synergy with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ES, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Headquarters of the Commission in Jabi, Abuja.
He said NEITI findings and recommendations are leading reforms in the oil, gas and mining industries, adding that it has therefore incumbent for NEITI to deliver more optimal results to the country, a robust collaboration and synergy with the EFCC is imperative.
NEITI, he said is stretching forth its hand for collaboration with EFCC to back it up more in its quest for transparency and accountability in the extractive industries in Nigeria.
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 explains: “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.
In his response, the EFCC’s boss noted that every anti-corruption effort should always stand on the pillar of transparency.
He particularly stressed 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. We will allow NEITI desks in our Zonal offices.” he said.
