By Mercy Aikoye
The West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) is hosting its 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly in Abuja, Nigeria. The event aims to strengthen parliamentary oversight of public debt and borrowing in West Africa.
Hon. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee (PAC), emphasized the conference’s importance. “This conference provides a robust platform for learning, engagement, and experience-sharing among committees and key stakeholders,” he said.
The five-day conference will focus on key areas, including building capacity for effective oversight, examining debt trends and risks, defining parliamentary roles in debt governance, and developing strategies for debt sustainability.
The conference expects over 300 participants, including lawmakers and finance experts. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, will declare the event open, and the Minister of Finance will deliver the keynote address.
Dignitaries from WAAPAC, AFROPAC, and global development partners will attend. The UNDP Country Director and sister parliamentary organisations will also send goodwill messages.
The conference will conclude with country-specific action plans to strengthen parliamentary oversight of public debt. Hon. Salam urged the media to collaborate for wide coverage, highlighting Nigeria’s role in hosting a key parliamentary accountability conference.
The 11th WAAPAC Conference will promote stronger legislative oversight and sustainable debt management in West Africa, advancing fiscal responsibility and transparency in the region.
