By Jennete Ugo Anya
The Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has marked a historic milestone with the completion and forthcoming launch of Nigeria’s first-ever fully automated NEITI Data Centre.
Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, NEITI’s Executive Secretary, recently stated that this cutting-edge facility, the first of its kind among the 57 countries implementing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), signifies a major advancement in the transparency and governance of Nigeria’s extractive sector.
The NEITI Data Centre was originally conceptualized by the previous National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), also known as the NEITI Board, and brought to completion under the current administration.
Despite economic challenges such as volatile naira-to-dollar exchange rates and rising inflation, the project was successfully finalized, aligning with NEITI’s commitment to its five-year Strategic Plan aimed at institutionalizing EITI standards in Nigeria.
According to Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah, NEITI’s Acting Director and Head of Communications & Stakeholder Management, the Data Centre is designed to be a one-stop repository for all data and information related to Nigeria’s extractive industries, including oil, gas, and solid minerals. The Centre will house data from NEITI’s Annual Industry Reports dating back to 2004, making it an invaluable resource for stakeholders such as civil society, media, industry players, government agencies, and legislators.
Beyond data storage, the Centre will offer data analysis services, training, and development in data science, supporting a deeper public understanding of the extractive sector. It also aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the open data policy requirements under the EITI 2023 Standards and will provide crucial support for the NEITI/EITI Systematic Disclosure program, which is set to become a global standard in extractive industry transparency.
Dr. Orji commended the Data Centre as a ‘game changer’ that will enhance NEITI’s role in promoting evidence-based public debates and contributing to national planning and development. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its support in completing the project, as well as to the Chairman of the NEITI Board, Mr. George Akume, and other board members for their leadership.
The Data Centre project, initially conceived in March 2022, faced funding challenges when NEITI’s application for support through the World Bank’s Extractives Global Programmatic Support (EGPS) was unsuccessful. This led to the involvement of the federal government, which provided budgetary support in 2023 and 2024. The Centre is housed in a newly acquired permanent office building for NEITI, which underwent extensive renovations to transform it from a dilapidated state into a modern, functional space.
To further bolster the facility’s capabilities, NEITI announced an expansion of the Data Centre project, focusing on upgrading its information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.
This expansion is part of NEITI’s broader strategy to enhance transparency and data security within Nigeria’s extractive sector. The enhanced project scope includes the establishment of a dedicated server room and a state-of-the-art control room to manage the Centre’s operations, ensuring seamless functionality and real-time monitoring.
Security has also been a major focus of the expansion. The building complex has been equipped with comprehensive Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) coverage and advanced access control systems to protect the Data Centre from unauthorized access and potential security breaches. In addition, reliable high-speed internet access has been installed to support the Centre’s operations, enabling swift data processing and connectivity with global networks.
A critical aspect of the project expansion is a country-wide data integrity assessment of Nigeria’s extractive sector, conducted in preparation for the upcoming EITI Validation. This assessment is essential to ensure that all data within the Centre is accurate and reliable, further solidifying NEITI’s role in promoting transparency in the extractive industries. The expansion also includes provisions for project management and consultancy services, ensuring that the enhanced Data Centre meets all technical and operational requirements.
Dr. Orji emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating, “The expansion of our Data Centre project reflects NEITI’s unwavering commitment to maintaining global standards in data management and security. By investing in advanced ICT infrastructure, we are reinforcing our capacity to provide reliable and secure data, which is crucial for informed decision-making and public engagement in Nigeria’s extractive sector.”
The project was completed under the 2024 budget despite economic challenges, marking a significant achievement for NEITI. The project, which included the installation of servers, a comprehensive local area network, and state-of-the-art video conferencing and communication equipment, was executed in phases and finalized ahead of the release of 2024 capital funds by the federal government. The decision by President Tinubu’s administration to fund the project in both the 2023 and 2024 budgets provided crucial support, enabling NEITI to navigate challenges such as foreign exchange volatility, rising inflation, and overall price increases. Remarkably, the project was completed within its original budget without any variations, underscoring NEITI’s efficiency and prudent management.
Although the project faced a slight delay from its initial March 2024 completion deadline due to unforeseen circumstances, including delays in fund release and the need for careful adherence to procurement procedures, NEITI overcame these obstacles to deliver the project successfully.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in the extractive industries have praised NEITI for the completion of the Data Centre. A delegation of CSOs, led by Dr. Erisa Danladi Sarki, a representative on the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), visited the NEITI House in Abuja to inspect the Centre. The delegation expressed their admiration for the quality of work, commending Dr. Orji and his team for their efforts, as well as the NEITI Board for its leadership.
Mrs. Onuorah highlighted the significance of the project, noting that it represents a strong statement of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to upholding EITI standards in Nigeria.
With the Data Centre now operational, NEITI is well-positioned to enhance its role in promoting transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s extractive sector, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in global transparency initiatives.
