CISLAC, NEITI Pledge Stronger Partnership To Deepen Transparency In The Extractive Sector
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
During a courtesy visit by NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, to CISLAC headquarters in Abuja, both organisations highlighted the urgent need for civil society to take on a more proactive, solution-driven role in resource governance.
CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, described NEITI as a “frontline champion of open governance,” noting that its reports have exposed gaps and informed reforms that saved Nigeria billions.
He urged deeper collaboration to ensure that transparency translates into tangible benefits for communities in oil, gas, and solid mineral-producing regions.
In his response, Dr Orji called for a “new agenda” for civil society, stressing that CSOs must move beyond advocacy to knowledge leadership, providing evidence-based solutions on issues such as energy transition, illicit financial flows, and fiscal justice.
He challenged CISLAC to evolve from issuing bulletins to publishing scholarly journals that could shape global debates on extractive governance.
Both leaders agreed that with shrinking revenues, rising governance risks, and the global shift to clean energy, Nigeria cannot afford business as usual.
They pledged to work together to ensure that natural resource wealth translates into sustainable development for ordinary Nigerians.
