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Musa Sarkin Adar Takes Helm as NEITI Executive Secretary, Vows to Drive Transparency and Reform
Musa Sarkin Adar has officially stepped into his role as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), pledging a tenure marked by robust reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, regulatory compliance, and accountability across Nigeria’s extractive sectors.
Leveraging Legislative Expertise to Boost NEITI’s Influence
In his inaugural address to NEITI staff at the agency’s headquarters, Adar emphasized his commitment to utilizing his extensive legislative background and oversight experience to elevate NEITI’s profile and deepen its effectiveness within the oil, gas, and mining industries. He highlighted the agency’s existing reputation for championing openness both nationally and internationally but acknowledged the need for continued progress, especially with Nigeria’s upcoming global EITI validation scheduled for July 2026.
Modernizing the NEITI Act: A Key Priority
Central to Adar’s reform agenda is the urgent revision of the NEITI Act of 2007. He pointed out that the current legislation restricts the agency’s enforcement capabilities and limits its institutional strength. Updating the Act, he argued, is critical to enforcing stricter compliance, advancing sector reforms, and protecting Nigeria’s extractive revenues from inefficiencies and potential leakages.
Enhancing Reporting and Maximizing Resource Value
Drawing on his 16 years in the National Assembly, including his tenure as Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Adar plans to prioritize the publication of precise, user-friendly industry reports. He also intends to champion initiatives that enable the Nigerian government to extract greater economic value from its mineral wealth through beneficiation and value addition strategies-efforts that align with global best practices in resource management.
Commitment to Staff Empowerment and Strategic Partnerships
Adar underscored the importance of investing in NEITI’s workforce, describing staff as the agency’s core strength. He pledged to foster a work environment conducive to professional growth and excellence. Additionally, he committed to strengthening collaborations with key stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, media outlets, industry players, development partners, and the international EITI community.
“Our staff are the backbone of this institution. I am dedicated to nurturing your talents and creating conditions where outstanding performance is the norm,” Adar affirmed.
Endorsement from NEITI Leadership and Notable Past Roles
Dieter Bassi, NEITI’s Director of Policy, Planning, and Strategy, warmly welcomed Adar’s appointment, expressing confidence that his leadership and experience are well-aligned with the agency’s mission and strategic objectives.
Prior to this role, Adar chaired the Board of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority and played instrumental roles in the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). His legislative portfolio also includes sponsoring key bills focused on education, security, and infrastructure development.
Strategic Planning for NEITI’s Future
Following his formal introduction, Adar convened a closed-door session with NEITI’s senior management team to outline strategic priorities and chart a course for the agency’s future initiatives.
