BREAKING: Bamidele Salam Emerges First Nigerian AFROPAC Secretary-General
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Bamidele Salam, has emerged as the Secretary-General of the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC), becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the position.
Salam was elected at the conclusion of the organisation’s conference in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The House of Representatives, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., described the development as a major achievement for Nigeria’s legislature and a recognition of the country’s contributions to promoting transparency, accountability and effective legislative oversight across Africa.
The House attributed Salam’s emergence to his performance as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, particularly his efforts towards strengthening accountability in the management of public funds.
According to the statement, the committee has facilitated the recovery of more than N200 billion in unremitted royalties and taxes from oil and gas companies since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
It added that the committee had also recorded improvements in its operations through the digitalisation of hearings and internal processes, while introducing a dedicated magazine to document its activities and promote public access to information about its work.
The statement further highlighted the committee’s role in strengthening parliamentary cooperation, recalling that it organised the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance in 2025 in collaboration with the Senate Public Accounts Committee.
It also hosted the 11th Regional Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC), the first time Nigeria hosted the regional gathering.
AFROPAC, established in Tanzania in 2013, brings together Public Accounts Committees and similar parliamentary bodies across Africa to promote transparency, accountability and sound public financial management through institutional cooperation, capacity building and the exchange of ideas.
The House expressed confidence that Salam’s election would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to contribute more actively to strengthening financial accountability and legislative oversight across the continent.
It also acknowledged the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, in providing an enabling environment for the committee to carry out its responsibilities.
The House congratulated Salam on his election and expressed optimism that he would make a meaningful contribution to the organisation during his tenure.