The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), Koyenum Immalah Foundation (KIF) and Women in Extractives (WiE), have applauded the nomination of Maria van der Hoeven as the next Chair of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Board for the 2026–2029 term.
In a joint statement signed by Faith Nwadishi, a former EITI board member on behalf of the CSOs, the groups described the nomination process as transparent and inclusive, noting that van der Hoeven’s extensive experience in global energy governance and her commitment to multi-stakeholder dialogue make her well-suited to lead the initiative at a time of complex governance and energy transition challenges.
They also celebrated the history of female leadership within the EITI, highlighting past Chairs such as Hon. Clare Short and Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, and noting that van der Hoeven’s nomination reflects the EITI’s continued commitment to gender-responsive leadership and diversity.
The organisations urged the incoming leadership to strengthen implementation of the EITI Standard, particularly in gender-disaggregated reporting, gendered energy transition data, and citizen-focused disclosure that enables public debate across all levels of government.
They further called for enhanced transparency around sovereign wealth funds and clearer reporting on how extractive revenues support vulnerable groups, including women, youth and persons with disabilities.
The statement read in part, “Looking ahead, our organisations anticipate a more robust implementation of the EITI Standard, particularly in the following areas: Gender-disaggregated reporting that goes beyond employment data to capture the full impact of extractive activities on women and marginalized host communities.
“Transparency on savings and investments, such as the Nigeria’s sovereign wealth funds, to ensure future generations understand and benefit from extractive revenues.”
Emphasising the importance of civic participation, the groups stressed that the success of the EITI’s multi-stakeholder model depends on protecting civic space and ensuring that civil society actors can engage freely and independently.
CTA, KIF and WiE reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with EITI, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), industry actors and citizens to deepen accountability and gender inclusion in the extractive sector, expressing readiness to work with van der Hoeven as she assumes leadership of the global transparency body.
