CTA Commends NEITI–NHRC MoU On Protection Of Civic Space In Extractive Sector
By Juliet Ukanwosu
The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has commended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on protection of civic space in Nigeria’s extractive sector.
The MoU is aimed at strengthening the protection of civic space in the implementation of the 2023 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard, particularly Requirement 1.3 (Civil society participation) and Section 5 (Civil Society Protocol).
In a statement made available to extractive360, Executive Director of CTA, Faith Nwadishi, described the development as a significant institutional milestone in Nigeria’s EITI journey. “It sends a clear signal that the right of civil society and citizens to participate freely, actively, and effectively in extractive sector governance is not only acknowledged, but is now being anchored within a formal human rights protection framework,” she said.
Nwadishi congratulated the Executive Secretary of NEITI, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, the Civil Society Representative on the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), the entire NSWG for their leadership, persistence, and commitment in bringing this long-awaited initiative to fruition, adding “We further commend the NHRC for its readiness to partner with NEITI in translating civic space commitments into enforceable protections.”
Speaking further she said, “As the Executive Director of the CTA and Convener of Women in Extractives, I was privileged to be present in the room where this important chapter of Nigeria’s Extractives governance history was written. I am proud to have been one of the individuals that worked on this process. I acknowledge and thank all individuals and institutions who worked quietly and consistently over the years to ensure that this commitment was fulfilled.”
According to Nwadishi, beyond celebrating the achievement, the real test however, lies in implementation of the MoU. To this end, she urged all stakeholders to ensure the translation of the MoU into concrete, practical actions, while calling for deliberate efforts to educate civil society organisations and citizens on the existence, scope, and utility of the MoU.
She also emphasized the need for capacity building for NEITI, NHRC, CSOs, and relevant stakeholders to operationalise the MoU effectively, as well as the establishment of a rapid response system with clear procedures, referral pathways, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that civic space concerns are addressed promptly and credibly.
While reiterating the remarks of all stakeholders present at the signing, Nwadishi stressed that “The MoU must not remain a symbolic document. It must become a living instrument that protects voices, strengthens participation, and deepens accountability in Nigeria’s extractive sector.”
She further urged civil society organisations, community actors, women’s groups, and citizens to actively engage the framework, use it responsibly, and hold institutions accountable for its effective application in ensuring strengthened civic space protection in Nigeria’s extractive sector.
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