Unremitted, stolen funds: We lack power to enforce remediation – NEITI

By Michael Eboh
Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Mr. Waziri Adio, yesterday, disclosed that the agency had not made much progress in addressing the gaps inherent in the extractive industries, because it lacks the power to enforce remediation activities in the industry.
Speaking at the National Conference on Remedial Issues in Abuja, Adio said this was as a result of the fact that NEITI lacks the powers to punish offenders, is the least empowered to influence actions and enforce its findings; while in most cases, the individuals that attend its remedial meetings from various government agencies or companies are low level staff and are not empowered to make enforcement decisions.

According to Adio, remediation is too critical to be left to NEITI, which at present, does not have…