In a move described as a national call to action, the Nigerian House of Representatives is preparing to host a major national gathering aimed at reshaping the country’s fiscal accountability architecture.
The National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance (NCPAFG), organized by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives, is scheduled to take place from July 6 to July 10, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
Speaking at a pre-conference press briefing at the National Assembly Press Center in Abuja, Chairman of the House PAC, Rep. Bamidele Salam, laid out an ambitious roadmap for the conference.
He explained that the event is a central component of the 10th People’s House Legislative Agenda, which focuses on strengthening democratic institutions through transparency, accountability, and sustainable fiscal management.
Under the theme “Fiscal Governance in Nigeria: Charting a New Course for Transparency and Sustainable Development,” the conference is expected to bring together Nigeria’s top public sector financial managers, lawmakers, regulatory agencies, anti-corruption institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and representatives from across the three tiers of government.
The event, according to Rep. Salam, will also serve as a prelude to Nigeria’s hosting of the 2025 edition of the West African Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAPAC) Conference, for which the country recently secured hosting rights.
Rep. Salam highlighted the urgency of the moment, noting that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its public financial management reforms.
“Citing official records from the 2020/2021 Auditor-General’s reports, he revealed that more than ₦300 billion in public expenditure remains unaccounted for, with a disturbing pattern of unauthorized virements and audit queries.
“Over 60 percent of federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), he said, continue to flout financial regulations, further eroding public confidence in government institutions.
“The upcoming conference aims to confront these challenges head-on by fostering an inclusive and robust dialogue that involves all critical players in Nigeria’s fiscal governance landscape.
“It seeks to provide a platform for building institutional and human capacity through training and workshops for Public Accounts Committees, auditors, finance managers, and regulatory officers.
“The sessions will focus on equipping stakeholders with modern tools and practices in audit efficiency and oversight, as well as knowledge-sharing on public sector reforms and digital innovations in financial management.
“Beyond capacity development, the conference is expected to examine the institutional and technical barriers that have hindered the effective implementation of audit recommendations over the years.
“Participants will engage in high-level discussions designed to harmonize national and sub-national laws, operational guidelines, and oversight practices.
“This harmonization effort is intended to strengthen the consistency and efficiency of financial oversight across Nigeria’s federal system, Salam explained.
Rep. Salam emphasized the importance of building a strong consensus among stakeholders to drive forward accountability and transparency as core national values.
“By fostering dialogue across legislative, executive, and civil society domains, the conference aims to deepen post-legislative scrutiny, particularly at the sub-national level where service delivery often suffers from weak oversight and financial opacity.
“Another key focus of the event will be the integration of international best practices in digital governance, audit automation, fiscal tracking, and anti-corruption technologies, he said.
These innovations, according to the PAC Chairman, will play a crucial role in aligning Nigeria’s governance systems with global standards and expectations in an increasingly digital economy.
“At the conclusion of the five-day event, organizers are targeting measurable outcomes. Among the key targets are a significant reduction in unaccounted expenditures—from the current figure of over ₦300 billion to under ₦1 billion in the 2026 fiscal year.
“The rate of non-compliance among MDAs is also expected to fall from its current rate of over 60 percent to single digits. The conference will also aim to significantly boost Nigeria’s standing in the Fiscal Governance Health Index (FGHI) through the adoption of transparent digital systems.
“Expected legacy outcomes from the conference include the development of a National Blueprint for Digital Audit and Financial Management and the establishment of a multi-stakeholder National Fiscal Governance Working Group. This body will be tasked with sustaining reform momentum and institutionalising sound fiscal governance practices nationwide.
“The event will be attended by high-ranking dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who will serve as the Distinguished Special Guest of Honour. Vice President Kashim Shettima is billed to deliver the keynote address, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike are expected in various hosting and guest roles.
“International participation will be highlighted by Mr. Edwin W. Harris Jr., Director General of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), who will deliver a keynote presentation.
Delegates from the Nigerian Governors Forum, key MDAs at all levels of government, audit institutions, financial crime agencies, local government authorities, academia, media, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations are also expected to participate” he added.
Rep. Salam concluded his remarks with an appeal for strong media engagement. “This is a defining moment for our nation’s democracy and development. We count on the media to amplify the importance of this conference and drive public engagement across the country and beyond.
“Together, we can reset the fiscal governance trajectory of Nigeria and create a legacy of accountability for future generations.
With preparations in full gear, the 2025 National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance is shaping up to be a landmark event in Nigeria’s journey toward transparent, accountable, and digitally empowered public financial management, he said.
