…confirms Dr. Orji’s 5-year single-term tenure, ending in February 2025

Oredola Adeola

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of a 15-man National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) for the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) with Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), as Chairman and Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji as Executive Secretary (ES).

Segun Imohiosen, Director, of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, confirmed this development in a statement released and obtained by Advisors Reports on Tuesday

According to the statement, President Tinubu approved Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Secretary of the NSWG, Executive Secretary/CEO (who is expected to be in office for a 5-year single tenure)

Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, was appointed as a member, representing the Government, while Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPCL, member, representing the extractive companies (Oil and Gas).

Mr. Ogbenegwueke Ajafia is, a member, representing the Oil Producers Trade Sector (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), while Mr. Dele Ayanleke, President, of the Miners Association of Nigeria, is a member, representing the Extractive Companies (Mining).

The member, representing the Civil Society, is expected to be elected by the Civil Society Organisations, as   Imohiosen emphasised that the office of the SGF has written to the CSOs through NEITI to elect and present their representative and the process is ongoing.

Other members of the NSWG are Engr (Mrs) Nkechi Isigwe, member, Representative of Women/Geo scientist. Former President, Association of Professional Women Engineers, Extractive Industries Experts; Comrade Williams Apkoreha, President NUPENG, members, representing the Industrial Trade Union in oil and gas; and Barrister Musa Lawan, member, representing North-East.

Amb Matthew Sunday Adoli, the member, representing North Central Zone; Olasupo Abdel-Jeleel Taiwo, member, representing South-West; Chief Israel Ikwuegbu, member, representing Southeast; and Dr. Stephen Akpan, member, representing South-South.

The Director of Information and Public Relations, OSGF also confirmed that the inauguration of the Board will be announced in due course.