CSCHEI Calls for Strategic Capacity Development, Monitoring Reforms Following NEITI Report on NUPRC

The Civil Society Organisations on Community Development and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), a United Nations-recognised platform overseeing accredited Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in Nigeria, has expressed support for the recent advisory report by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

The report commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its significant progress in the 2022-2023 mini bid round and the upcoming 2024 licensing round.

In a statement signed by the Director, New Media and Communication, CSCHEI, Danladi Haruna, the organisation praised NUPRC for its efforts in promoting administrative inclusivity, digitalisation, and procedural integrity throughout the licensing process, stating, “We commend NUPRC’s exemplary efforts in administrative inclusivity, digitalization, and procedural integrity.”

“Their transparency throughout the licensing process has set a new standard for the industry.”

The statement was released following a CSCHEI management review meeting held on July 7, 2025, at Chelsea Hotel in Abuja.

CSCHEI emphasised the critical role of accredited CSOs and CBOs in advocating for good governance, compliance, and accountability, stating, “As accredited CSOs and CBOs, we play a vital role in bridging the gap between the government and citizens, advocating for transparency, accountability, and good governance.”

The organisation also highlighted NUPRC’s achievement in generating N12.25 trillion in revenue for 2024, far exceeding the forecasted N6.93 trillion.

“Generating N12.25 trillion in revenue for 2024 is a remarkable achievement that surpasses the forecasted N6.93 trillion. This success reflects the leadership’s innovative strategies and commitment to excellence,” it noted.

However, CSCHEI urged NUPRC to enhance community engagement, saying, “While we recognize the progress made, it is crucial for NUPRC to enhance community civil engagement and to direct International Oil Companies to strengthen their corporate social responsibility initiatives in host communities.”

The organisation recommended that the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) create a homegrown capacity-building program to benefit Nigeria’s economy, adding, “In light of the Federal Government’s circular to minimide foreign training, we urge the PTDF to develop a homegrown capacity-building template that will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.”

Additionally, CSCHEI called on the National Education Loan Funds Agency (NELFUND) to establish effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

“It is imperative that NELFUND implements effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that ordinary Nigerian students, who often lack political connections, can genuinely benefit from the student loan process,” it emphasided.

The statement was released following a CSCHEI management review meeting held on July 7, 2025, at Chelsea Hotel in Abuja. CSCHEI emphasized the critical role of accredited CSOs and CBOs in advocating for good governance, compliance, and accountability, stating, “As accredited CSOs and CBOs, we play a vital role in bridging the gap between the government and citizens, advocating for transparency, accountability, and good governance.”

“We call on all patriotic Nigerians to support registered and accredited CSOs and CBOs in their efforts to promote good governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.”