Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, Executive Secretary/CEO of NEITI
…NEITI remains steadfast in its mission to promote transparency, strengthen accountability of Nigeria’s natural resources
-Felix Douglas
Speaking recently at the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) and Chair of Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT) at the commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar was of the view that the theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” was apt and relevant than ever to Nigeria’s aspirations for a transparent, fair and prosperous future.
According to Adar, across Nigeria the youths remain the country’s greatest source of hope and strength.
“Their energy, innovation, and desire for a more just society position them at the centre of the global fight against corruption. As we commemorate this day, I wish to affirm NEITI’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians not only as advocates for accountability but also as active partners in shaping the future of integrity in the extractive industries and beyond.”
Stating further Adar said at NEITI, the agency recognised that corruption undermines opportunities for growth, distorts resource governance, and deepens inequality.
“We also know that a united, informed, and courageous generation can dismantle these barriers. This is why NEITI will continue to expand civic education, strengthen our reporting mechanisms, support youth-led innovation, and create more platforms for constructive engagement with young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs.”
The International Anti-Corruption Day is a call to action; it reminds stakeholders that building a corruption-free Nigeria requires government, industry, civil society, and especially the youth to stand together.
Adar reiterated that NEITI remains steadfast in its mission to promote transparency, strengthen accountability and ensure that the natural resources truly benefit every Nigerian.
“On this important day, I celebrate the courage, resilience, and integrity of Nigeria’s youth. I invite you to join hands with NEITI as we work collectively to shape a future defined by honesty, justice, and shared prosperity.”
Adar revealed that one of the key issues being looked at today as is tax transparency and trust.
How can Nigeria’s new tax policies curb corruption and promote accountability? “Let me inform you that NEITI recently concluded a policy-backed policy brief on the need for an inclusive implementation of Nigeria’s 2025 tax and revenue reforms.”
NEITI outlines a comprehensive roadmap for implementing the new tax laws; assess conformity of the legislative provisions with global standards of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue administration and recommends targeted safeguards to protect the fiscal autonomy of states and local governments.
He reaffirmed that as NEITI chart the course, it cannot afford to treat transparency as an afterthought. Continuing Adar said a robust tax reform without citizen oversight is simply centralisation under another name.
NEITI stands ready to do its part by providing independent oversight, facilitating dialogue, and ensuring accountability for meaningful outcomes in the implementation of the reforms especially as it applies to extractive sector.
The NEITI boss called on stakeholders to embrace roadmap, ensuring that Nigeria’s 2025 tax reforms foster inclusive growth, fiscal accountability, and sustainable prosperity for all levels of government and every citizen particularly the youth who are the country’s future.
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