Nigeria Secures First-Ever AFROPAC Elective Position
For the first time in the history of the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC), since its establishment in 2013, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Bamidele Salam, has emerged as Secretary-General, securing Nigeria’s first-ever elective position in the continental body’s leadership.
Salam was unanimously elected at the organisation’s 6th Annual General Meeting and Conference held in Accra, Ghana, in what marks a major diplomatic and parliamentary milestone for Nigeria.
The lawmaker who represents Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State at the National Assembly, secured the AFROPAC Executive Committee following the endorsement of delegates from across Africa, making Nigeria’s first-ever representation in an elective leadership position of the continental organisation since its establishment.
Accepting the new responsibility, Salam pledged to uphold and advance the vision of AFROPAC, ensuring that the organisation becomes stronger, more effective and more impactful in promoting accountability and good governance across Africa.
The lawmaker expressed profound appreciation to his colleagues across the African continent for the confidence reposed in Nigeria, describing the development as a recognition of the contributions and efforts of the Nigerian Public Accounts Committee towards strengthening accountability and transparency in public financial management.
He also expressed his deep appreciation to the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, AbbasTajudeen, for the opportunity and institutional support that enabled him to chair the Committee on Public Accounts and for his commitment in building a stronger parliamentary network and collaboration.
Salam noted that the confidence and support of the Speaker had provided an enabling environment for the committee to discharge its constitutional responsibilities, strengthen legislative oversight and advance initiatives aimed at ensuring accountability in the management of public resources.
He further acknowledged the contributions of members of the Nigerian delegation, whose commitment, engagement and networking efforts contributed to the country’s successful outing at the conference.
In a congratulatory message, the AFROPAC Secretariat in Nairobi welcomed Nigeria into the organisation’s Executive Committee and described the emergence of Salam as Secretary-General as a significant development for the continental body.
The Secretariat expressed confidence in Salam’s experience, vision and dedication, noting that his leadership would further strengthen AFROPAC’s commitment to promoting legislative oversight across the continent and building a prosperous Africa.
The newly elected AFROPAC leadership comprises Malawi as Chairperson, Ghana as Deputy Chairperson, Nigeria as Secretary-General, Chad as Deputy Secretary-General, Eswatini as Treasurer-General and Kenya as Deputy Treasurer.
