Honourable Musa Sarkin Adar has officially assumed office as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), marking the start of a new chapter for the agency.

In his first address to NEITI management and staff, Adar pledged to harness his extensive legislative and oversight experience to enhance NEITI’s visibility, relevance, and impact across Nigeria. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the organization’s mandate is widely understood, noting NEITI’s established reputation as a model of transparency in the country’s extractive industries.

Highlighting NEITI’s significant role in shaping policy, promoting reforms, and fostering public trust,  Adar acknowledged that further efforts are needed, particularly with Nigeria set for global validation as a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in July 2026.

A central focus of his tenure will be the amendment of the NEITI Act 2007.  Adar explained that the current legislation limits the agency’s authority and capacity, and revising the Act is crucial to equip NEITI with stronger legal tools to enforce compliance, deepen reforms, and strengthen accountability in the extractive sector.

Reflecting on his 16 years in the National Assembly, including his tenure as Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Adar reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring NEITI produces accurate, credible, and accessible reports, while safeguarding extractive revenues against inefficiency and corruption.

Another key priority is the development of strategies to optimize Nigeria’s mineral resources through beneficiation, adding value and promoting sustainable economic growth. He also emphasized investing in staff capacity and fostering collaboration with government agencies, civil society, the media, industry stakeholders, global EITI partners, and development organizations.

“NEITI staffs are the heart of this great agency. I will invest in your growth, provide the tools you need, and create the enabling environment where excellence thrives,”  Adar said.

Welcoming him, Dr. Dieter Bassi, Director of Policy, Planning, and Strategy, expressed confidence in his leadership, stating,  “We look forward to your insights, innovative strategies, and the positive impact you will bring to the NEITI family. Your wealth of experience and visionary approach align perfectly with NEITI’s mission and values.”

Before his appointment, Musa Sarkin Adar served as Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority and is recognized for his contributions to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and numerous initiatives in education, security, and infrastructure development.

Following his address, Adar held a closed-door session with NEITI’s Senior Management Team to discuss strategic priorities for the agency.