NASS, states parley to ensure probity, accountability in public funds utilisation

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam, on Tuesday, pledged the 10th Assembly’s commitment to working with their counterparts at the state level to strengthen the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC), with a view to ensuring probity and accountability in the utilization of public funds.

Hon. Salam gave the assurance in Abuja during the joint sitting of the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the inauguration of an Ad-hoc Committee for the reconvening of the NAPAC meeting.

NAPAC is a body formed in 2014, with 38 chapters across the nation, including the two Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly and the PACs of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.

He said the meeting “comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s history, when the need for transparency, accountability, and good governance has never been more pressing.”

“This association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the NAPAC meeting.

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“Firstly, to revive NAPAC and restore its vibrancy, ensuring that it plays its rightful role in promoting good governance and accountability across Nigeria.

“Secondly, to develop innovative approaches to addressing the perennial challenges of corruption, transparency, and accountability that have plagued our nation for decades.

“This will be achieved in collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, and the media.

“Through NAPAC, we will be able to leverage our networks and memberships in continental and regional sister organizations, such as the African Organization of Public Accounts (AFROPAC), the West African Association of Public Accounts (WAPAC), the Southern African Development Community of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC), and several others, for study exchanges, capacity building, and experience-sharing opportunities.

“I urge us all to work tirelessly to revitalize NAPAC, promote transparency and accountability, and establish good governance in Nigeria.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed.”