By Alltimepost.com
Recent report by the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, disclosing a whopping $1.6 trillion, over N316trillion worth of government revenue from oil and minerals has been applauded by Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
The organization said in a press release signed by its Executive Director, Rev David Ugolor that it was also encouraged by Part of the report that NEITI was interested in getting the government to prioritize the recovery of $19.1bn.
ANEEJ is also encouraged by NETTI’s interest in getting the government to recover nearly N3 trillion, all from oil and gas companies operating in the country to provide the required funds for government’s economic agenda.
“ANEEJ is encouraged that NEITI is going a step further than this report and has decided to forward this startling revelation to the National Assembly and to Mr. President for action that would translate the cheery piece of information into reality.
“At a time when oil revenue has fast depleted, and when state governors moan their inability to pay salaries of workers, this piece of information from the EITI, should act as a catalyst for government to begin a process to trap these funds and put them to judicious use on behalf of Nigerians.
“The G7 met recently and part of their resolve is to cut carbon emission from oil consumption, and phase out fossil fuels by the end of the century. This is a wake-up call and Nigeria must act quickly,” ANEEJ Executive Director, David Ugolor said.
The organization called on the National Assembly and the Presidency to as a matter of urgency provide the much-needed political support and platform to NEITI to realize and actualize these funds.
Ugolor noted that the amounts mentioned in the EITI report could easily cover annual budgetary provisions for health, education and a substantial mileage of roads and rural infrastructure in three years.
With just a billion naira, over 5,000 school children in Nigeria will receive free education and a free meal together with free text books’, Ugolor added.
ANEEJ is unwavering in its belief that the NEITI and the Nigerian government must justify their commitment to the avowed EITI principles by working together to achieve the common goals and interests of accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business, Ugolor said.
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