EITI appoints Maria van der Hoeven as Board Chair, Nigeria backs reform-driven leadership

By Ambrose Nnaji

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has applauded the nomination of former International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director, Maria van der Hoeven, as the incoming Chair of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) for the 2026–2029 terms.

In a statement issued in Abuja, NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Musa Sarkin-Adar, described Van der Hoeven’s appointment as timely, noting that her extensive experience in global energy governance and public administration aligns perfectly with the EITI’s evolving agenda.

“Ms. van der Hoeven assumes this critical role at a pivotal moment when the global energy transition is reshaping extractive industries. Her proven leadership and strong commitment to transparency will be invaluable to the EITI community. Nigeria looks forward to working closely with her to deepen accountability and strengthen compliance across implementing countries”, Sarkin-Adar said.

He added that Nigeria remains committed to the EITI’s emerging priorities, including energy transition, climate governance, gender mainstreaming, and environmental accountability.

The Chairman of NEITI’s National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), Senator George Akume, also praised the appointment, stating that Van der Hoeven’s leadership would drive stronger compliance and deepens the implementation of EITI standards worldwide. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s alignment with the government’s Renewed Hope agenda and global extractive-sector reforms.

Civil society groups have also welcomed the nomination. The Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), Faith Nwadishi, described Van der Hoeven’s emergence as “a strong affirmation of gender-responsive leadership and diversity within the EITI.” She highlighted the new chair’s record of effective engagement with government, industry, and civil society stakeholders.

Van der Hoeven’s formal confirmation will take place at the EITI Members’ Meeting during the 2026 Global Conference scheduled for June next year.

A former Dutch politician, Van der Hoeven previously served as the Netherlands’ Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy before leading the IEA between 2011 and 2015. She has since held several high-level board positions, including roles with TotalEnergies, Innogy SE, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All.

She is set to succeed Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, who has served as EITI Chair since 2019. Past EITI chairs include Sweden’s former Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, ex-UK Secretary of State Clare Short, and Transparency International founder Peter Eigen.

The EITI Chairmanship runs for a renewable three-year term.