The Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has completed work on a data centre which will serve as a repository and call-up shop for all data related to sectors under its purview.
The facility is expected to particularly bring improved monitoring and control to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Nigeria has proven oil reserves of approximately 37 billion barrels, ranking as the second largest in Africa and the tenth largest in the world. The country is also estimated to hold 209 Tscf of proven natural gas reserves, making it the eighth largest gas reserve holder in the world and the largest in Africa, while she currently possesses a deposit of solid mineral products worth $750bn.
Both sectors are known to be prone data challenges and leakages.
NEITI adds that the new data centre is part of efforts to make the petroleum and solid minerals industries more transparent and accountable.
Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah Ag. Director/Head Communications & Stakeholder Management, NEITI, said in a statement that the fully automated state of the art centre, “is reputed to be the first of its kind among the 57 EITI-implementing countries”.
Mrs. Onuorah explained that “apart from serving as a one-stop shop for information and data on Nigeria’s extractive sector (consisting oil, gas and solid minerals), the centre will also serve as a reservoir for all information and data published in the various NEITI Annual Industry Reports since the first edition in 2004 till date.
“Also, the Centre will serve as a warehouse for all extractive industry data in aggregated and disaggregated formats for easy public access by multi-stakeholders, especially the civil society, the media, extractive industry companies, government agencies and the legislature.
“Besides, the centre will also provide data information analysis, training and manpower development in data science education deployment and utilisation required to sustain a robust public knowledge and understanding of Nigeria’s extractive industry”.
NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, speaking shortly after inspecting the conclusion of work at the centre said: “Diverse groups that have come to invest enormous trust on NEITI’ capability and capacity to provide timely, credible information and data for informed decision-making, engagements and advocacy over the years see the data centre as a game changer and positive disruptive development”.
Dr Orji applauded President Tinubu’s administration for its support to ensure the completion of the project, and praised the Chairman of NEITI Board and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and members of the Board for their leadership.
