The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Global Conference 2023 is an important meeting for civil society organizations seeking to promote transparency and accountability in the extractive industries and we are proud we featured prominently in this year’s conference. This year’s conference was significant in two ways, first; Africa is hosting the event for the first time, second; it marks the 20th anniversary of the EITI.
On the opening day of the event, our Executive Director, Tijah Bolton-Akpan delivered an Innovation Talk on the theme: “Finding common ground – linking domestic laws to EITI requirements for communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.” The session was a highlight of our ongoing work, which utilizes the provisions of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and other related legislation and regulations to connect the dots between domestic laws and EITI requirements for communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
During the session, Bolton-Akpan emphasized the importance of finding common ground between local laws and international standards, particularly with regard to transparency and accountability in the extractive industries.
The extractives sector is critical to the economic growth and development of many countries, particularly those with abundant natural resources. However, it is also a sector that is often associated with corruption, conflict, and environmental degradation. The EITI provides a framework for addressing these challenges and promoting transparency in the extractives sector.
Policy Alert’s participation in the conference is part of its ongoing commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the extractive industries. The organization has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure that the revenues generated by the sector are used for the benefit of all citizens, particularly those in resource-rich communities.
The organization looks forward to continuing its work in this area and collaborating with other stakeholders to promote good governance in the sector.
