In Nigeria's country statement to the Anti-Corruption Summit hosted by Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain, President Buhari said that the Federal Government will apply the Open Contracting Data Standard to major projects in the oil, transportation, power, health, education and other sectors.
The
Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) enables disclosure of data and
documents at all stages of the contracting process by defining a common
data model.
The
publication of OCDS data ensures greater transparency in public
contracting, and can support accessible and in-depth analysis of the
efficiency, effectiveness, fairness, and integrity of public contracting
systems.
President
Buhari said that his administration is also taking steps to ensure
greater transparency of the ownership and control of all companies
involved in property purchase and public contracting.
"Nigeria
is already collating this information through the Extractive Industry
Initiative process and will extend it to other sectors.
"Nigeria
will establish a transparent central register of foreign companies
bidding on public contracts and buying property. We welcome the proposal
by developed countries to work together to improve the access of
developing countries to beneficial ownership information for use in
public contracting, the President said.
President
Buhari also welcomed a proposal to restrict the ability of those
involved in corruption to travel, invest and do business overseas.
"We
commit to joining the pilot initiative for automatic exchange of
beneficial information. Nigeria commits to deploying public-private
information sharing partnerships to bring together governments, law
enforcement, regulators and the financial sector to detect, prevent and
disrupt money laundering linked to corruption.
"We
commit to work together to enhance company disclosure on the payments
to governments for the sale of oil, gas and minerals, complementing
ongoing work within the EITI.
"Nigeria
is already reporting progress through the EITI working groups and will
continue to work with interested countries to build a common
understanding and strengthen the evidence for transparency in this area.
"We
welcome voluntary disclosures through EITI reporting and by some major
companies regarding payments to governments for the sale of oil, gas and
minerals.
"We
welcome the new 2016 EITI Standard, in particular the requirements on
beneficial ownership and the sale of the government’s share of
production. We will sign up to the Common Reporting Standard initiative.
"We
commit to reviewing penalties and other actions against professional
enablers of tax evasion, including for corporations that fail to prevent
their employees from facilitating tax evasion.
"We
support the development of a global commitment for public country by
country reporting on tax information for large multinational
enterprises.
"We
commit to the strengthening of our asset recovery legislation,
including through non-conviction based confiscation powers and the
introduction of unexplained wealth orders.
"In
order to improve on the current legal procedures and ease asset
recovery procedures, we have drafted the Proceeds of Crime Bill which
provides for the transparent management of recovered funds and assets
and a non-conviction based approach to asset recovery.
"We
will work with others countries, civil society, international
organisations to support accelerated implementation of the voluntary
provisions of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and we commit
to the implementation of the outstanding obligations under the UNCAC.
"We
support the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption
Coordination Center to be managed by National Crimes Agency of Britain.
We will work with NCA in promoting this centre in the African region,"
the President said.
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