Open data has received a lot of attention in the international arena during the last decade. In parallel to this, the EITI has expanded its work in this area, with a newly-approved open data policy and requirements for EITI implementing countries on open data policies and disclosures. This paper identifies and discusses some key opportunities and challenges of open data in the Nigerian context. It provides recommendations for both EITI and NEITI in their transition toward open data.

Commercial contract negotiations between governments and multinational corporations are complex, nowhere more so than in the extractive sector. Experience from the 51 EITI countries has shown the need for greater expertise on behalf of host governments when negotiating contracts.

The EITI is a Standard implemented by 51 countries and overseen at the national level by EITI National Commissions (also known as multi-stakeholder groups), which bring together government, companies and civil society groups to find common solutions to governance issues in the extractive sector.

This case study on Nigeria EITI: Making transparency count, uncovering billions, was published in January 2012.

At the London Anti-Corruption Summit on 12 May 2016, 42 countries made committments. Find compilations of the commitments made below: 

Overview from the Natural Resource Governance Institute on country commitments by topic (beneficial ownership, contract transparency and commodity trading)Extractives transparency country commitments (and references to EITI)Beneficial ownership country commitments

Policy Brief from Nigeria EITI on disclosing the real owners of companies operating in the extractive sector

Transparency about company and government payments is important for accountability, but tells citizens little about who owns extractive companies and ultimately benefits from the companies’ activities. In many cases, the identity of the real owners – the ‘beneficial owners’ – of the companies that have acquired rights to extract oil, gas and minerals is unknown, often hidden behind a chain of corporate entities. This opacity can contribute to corruption, money laundering and tax evasion in the extractive sector.

Highlighting the potential of recommendations from EITI Reports

Brief on using information in EITI reports in credit ratings assessments.

A brief on how the EITI can be a tool for improving transparency in the oil trading business.

Download the PDF

This paper provides an overview of EITI reporting by state-owned, National Oil Companies (NOC) and oil traders. It sets out the importance of transparency and accountability in the “first trade” i.e. the sale of oil by NOC to oil trading companies. In many resource-rich countries, the largest revenue streams accruing to government are a share of production, received “in-kind” rather than in cash. 

A review of Chinese company activity in EITI countries.