FG Praises Orji’s ‘Transformative’ Legacy as NEITI Leadership Changes Hands

The Federal Government has hailed the outgoing Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, describing his five-year stint as one that reshaped the agency and strengthened accountability in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

The commendation came on Wednesday during the formal handover ceremony in Abuja, where Dr Orji transferred leadership to the newly appointed Executive Secretary, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the NEITI National Stakeholders’ Working Group, Senator George Akume—represented by the Director of Legal Services, Kamilatu Kida—said Dr Orji’s tenure delivered reforms that elevated NEITI’s institutional credibility and boosted transparency in oil, gas, and mining governance.

Akume noted that under Orji, NEITI secured a permanent headquarters, broadened audit reports across industries, improved disclosure frameworks, and deepened partnerships with regulatory agencies and civil society. He described the outgoing Executive Secretary as “a reference point for transformative public service.”

He confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had approved Dr Orji’s request to proceed on terminal leave, conveying the president’s appreciation for what he termed “meritorious service to the nation.”

Confidence in New Leadership

Turning to Hon. Musa Adar, Akume expressed full confidence that the new Executive Secretary would build on the foundation left behind.

“Hon. Adar brings a wealth of leadership experience, a strong legislative background, and a deep understanding of governance issues,” he said. “These qualities will strengthen NEITI’s work and advance Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and accountability.”

He urged NEITI’s board, staff, civil society partners, private-sector actors, and development agencies to rally behind the new leadership to sustain the progress recorded in recent years.

The transition marks a pivotal moment for NEITI, an institution central to Nigeria’s efforts to curb corruption, strengthen extractive-sector oversight, and align with global EITI standards.