The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has held a three-day retreat for its staff, calling for renewed dedication to duty and a stronger commitment to national service.
The retreat aimed to review the committee’s progress over the past two years and equip members with the tools and mindset needed for more effective legislative oversight.
Held at AES Apartment in Abuja from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June 2025, the retreat focused on the theme: Parliamentary Procedures, Committee Management and Operations.
Chairman of the Committee, Representative Bamidele Salam, emphasized the importance of the retreat in repositioning the committee for improved performance.
“We must examine our past activities and set future plans.”
“This retreat is a reflection time on our last two years of activities as a committee for us to examine our weaknesses and strengths, and identify areas where we need to do better,” he said
The retreat featured expert-led sessions on topics such as Strategic Management and Productivity Techniques, Understanding Audit Principles, Legislative Practices and Procedures, and the Role of the Public Accounts Committee in democratic oversight.
Rep. Salam reaffirmed his commitment to capacity building and professionalism within the committee.
“I believe in training and retraining of the committee staff to fulfil our constitutional mandate. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, and we must continue to serve our country with diligence,” he stated.
The PAC has recently received accolades for its oversight efforts, particularly its role in the recovery of over N61.5 billion from oil companies.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (GCON), and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu both commended the committee’s performance.
“The commendation by the Speaker and the applause by the President and other lawmakers is a call to duty for the committee. We must not relent,” Salam added.
He also appreciated the efforts of the committee’s secretariat, acknowledging the dedication of the clerk and staff over the past two years.
In addition, he extended gratitude to the leadership of the House and his fellow committee members for their unwavering support and collaboration, which he described as vital to the committee’s accomplishments.
“I appreciate the supportive leadership of the House and committee members whose dedication has contributed immensely to the success of our oversight functions,” he said.
Certificates of participation were awarded to attendees. Dignitaries and facilitators present included Dcn Patrick A. Giwa, former Clerk of the House PAC; Barr. Usman Ibrahim; Dr. Sunday Azaki; Ambassador Chibuzo Okereke; and representatives from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Afolabi Abioye.
The retreat reinforced the committee’s mission to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance in the management of public resources.
