By Patience David Danboyi
The Chairman, House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam has stated that, the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committees must work with their counterparts at states level to revitalise and strengthen the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to ensure Probity and accountability.
He stated this in an address at the joint sitting of the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC meeting at the National Assembly on Tuesday.
NAPAC is a body formed in the year 2014 and has 38 chapters across the nation, namely, the two Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly (Senate and the House of Representatives) and the PACs of the thirty-six (36) States 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.
He added, “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 meeting of NAPAC.
“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 midwife innovative approaches to addressing the perennial challenges of corruption, transparency, and accountability that have plagued our nation for decades. This would be achieved in collaborations with anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, and the media.
“Through NAPAC, we would be able to leverage our networks and memberships in continental and regional sister Associations like the African Organization of Public Accounts (AFROPAC), West African Association of Public Accounts (WAPAC), Southern African Development Community of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC), and several others for study exchanges, capacity-building, and experience sharing opportunities.
“I enjoin us to work tirelessly to revitalize NAPAC, promote transparency and accountability, and enthrone 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”.
