Ogbonnaya Orji, the outgoing Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has disputed the process of his replacement by President Bola Tinubu, citing an “administrative oversight”.
Orji had submitted a voluntary notice of exit, which is set to take effect on February 19, 2026, when his tenure officially ends.
However, he was surprised to see reports of his successor’s appointment before the end of his notice period.
Significantly, Orji asserts that the decision to appoint a successor should have been made after the expiry of his notice period, following due process and established transition protocols.
Orji had formally notified the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Chair of NEITI’s National Stakeholders Working Group of his intention to exit office upon completing his five-year single tenure.
Orji denied being sacked by President Tinubu, emphasizing that his departure is voluntary and in line with due process.
Orji expressed commitment to ensuring a smooth, peaceful, and orderly transition in the overall interest of NEITI.
Orji’s distinguished service record and commitment to transparency and accountability have been highlighted as key aspects of his tenure.
He remains committed to guiding and supporting the transition process.
The statement is published in extenso here under:
My attention has been drawn to a misleading report circulating on social media suggesting that I was “sacked” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I wish to state clearly and unequivocally that this claim is entirely false.
I am currently in Yerevan, Armenia, attending the 64th EITI Board Meeting and other official engagements on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Before my departure, I formally notified the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Chair of the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) of NEITI, in writing, of my voluntary intention to exit office upon the completion of my five-year single tenure.
In that letter, I issued the mandatory three-month notice required of all public officers exiting service. My tenure as Executive Secretary/CEO of NEITI officially ends on 19 February 2026. This statutory notification is a transparent, honourable, and standard procedure I have followed throughout my more than three decades of distinguished service in the Federal Public Service.
It is not—and has never been—a dismissal.
I was therefore surprised to see reports suggesting that a successor had been appointed before the lawful expiration of my tenure. While government has full authority to appoint my successor, such decisions are ordinarily made after the end of the notice period, in line with due process and established transition protocols.
I have already drawn the attention of the relevant authorities to what appears to be an administrative oversight, and I am confident that it is being addressed appropriately.
For the avoidance of doubt:
•I was not sacked by President Tinubu.
•I voluntarily issued an advance notice of the expiration of my tenure and my intention to step down.
I have served this country honestly, diligently, and professionally—without blemish—in several sensitive positions: as a respected national broadcaster, in the Senate, at the State House, across various MDAs, and at the United Nations. My record of service at NEITI, with visible and verifiable impact, speaks for itself. Throughout my tenure as Executive Secretary, I received nothing but support and encouragement from President Tinubu—not a sack.
I am ready to go, which is precisely why I issued the notice. I consider the current development more an opportunity than a challenge.
I am scheduled to return to Nigeria by the weekend, and I remain fully committed to guiding, supporting, and ensuring a smooth, peaceful, and orderly transition in the overall interest of NEITI.
