By Fatima Saka
The National Assembly has inaugurated the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to kickstart preparations for the first-ever national conference slated for 2025.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) aims to uphold probity and accountability in managing public finances, ensuring taxpayers’ money is judiciously allocated and spent across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Speaking at the inauguration held in the Senate Public Accounts hearing room, Rep. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House of Representatives PAC and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly PAC, emphasized that the move seeks to reinvigorate NAPAC as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building.
Rep. Salam highlighted the importance of the initiative in addressing critical governance challenges:
“This meeting comes at a pivotal time in Nigeria’s history when the need for transparency, accountability, and good governance has never been more urgent. NAPAC will provide innovative solutions to the perennial issues of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of transparency that have hindered our nation’s progress for decades.”
Rep. Salam noted that NAPAC has been dormant in recent years, making its revitalization a priority. He stressed the association’s role in fostering collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, and the media to strengthen accountability mechanisms.
He said: “It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the critical responsibility of reviving NAPAC and restoring its vibrancy. Through NAPAC, we aim to strengthen good governance across Nigeria.”
The association will also leverage partnerships with regional and continental bodies such as the African Organization of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC), West African Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAPAC), and Southern African Development Community of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) for capacity building and knowledge exchange.
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“I urge all members to work tirelessly in revitalizing NAPAC. Together, we can promote transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria. While the task ahead is daunting, our collective resolve and commitment will see us through,” Salam stated.
Tackling Key Issues
Addressing journalists after the event, Rep. Salam outlined plans to improve collaboration with the offices of the Auditor General and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting audit reports.
He revealed that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as “unacceptable.”
“We want to ensure that by next year, we will catch up with the 2022 and 2023 reports so Nigeria can align with other countries already reviewing their 2023 audits. This will not only enhance productivity but also hold MDAs accountable for judicious use of public funds.” Salam added:
“The PAC will intensify efforts to ensure that all funds appropriated by the National Assembly are spent efficiently, effectively, and in strict compliance with the law.”
The inauguration of NAPAC signals a renewed commitment to strengthening accountability in governance. With collective effort, the association aims to set a new standard for transparency and ensure that taxpayers’ funds are managed responsibly for the betterment of the nation.
