The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has accepted the voluntary request of the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Orji Orji, to proceed on his statutory terminal leave. This decision comes ahead of the completion of Orji’s five-year single tenure, which is set to end on February 19, 2026.
Akume, who also serves as the Chairman of the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), confirmed this development in a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen. The statement followed Orji’s formal notification, which was made in full compliance with statutory public service rules.
The Federal Government has commended Orji for his distinguished service to the nation and the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) community. During his tenure, Orji championed the establishment of the NEITI Data Centre, which has reinforced Nigeria’s position as a leading and credible EITI-implementing country.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding NEITI’s independence, strengthening its statutory mandate, and preserving the transparency reforms critical to Nigeria’s extractive sector and national development. In a statement, the government conveyed its best wishes to Orji on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NSWG, acknowledging his meritorious and accomplished service to the nation.
Orji’s terminal leave marks the beginning of a transition period for the NEITI, which plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive industries. The initiative’s work is essential to ensuring that the country’s natural resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, and that the benefits of extraction are shared equitably among all stakeholders.
As the NEITI prepares for new leadership, the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the extractive sector remains unchanged. The government’s efforts to strengthen the initiative’s mandate and preserve its independence are critical to maintaining investor confidence and promoting sustainable development in the sector. With Orji’s departure, the NEITI will continue to work towards its goals, building on the progress made during his tenure and addressing the ongoing challenges facing the extractive industries in Nigeria.