WAAPAC Commends Tinubu and Abbas for Nigeria’s Successful Hosting of Regional Conference
The West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for Nigeria’s successful hosting of the 11th WAAPAC Regional Conference and General Assembly.
This marks the first time since WAAPAC’s creation in 2009 that the major regional gathering was held in Nigeria. The conference attracted lawmakers, auditors, and public finance oversight experts from across West Africa, making it a milestone in Nigeria’s legislative and accountability journey.
Organised by the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, the event brought together participants from 13 African countries, alongside delegates from the Nigerian National Assembly and several State Houses of Assembly. The gathering focused on enhancing accountability, strengthening parliamentary oversight, and promoting cooperation among African nations.
At the closing session, WAAPAC President Hon. Traore Issouf applauded Nigeria for its warm hospitality and commended the parliament for displaying exemplary standards in legislative coordination and accountability. He described the hosting as a model for parliamentary excellence across Africa.
Special recognition was also given to Rep. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of Nigeria’s Public Accounts Committee, for his leadership and dedication in advancing WAAPAC’s mission. Issouf praised his role in ensuring the success of the conference and in strengthening Nigeria’s image as a hub of legislative accountability.
Issouf further called for deeper regional cooperation, urging African countries to remove visa restrictions to boost trade, integration, and people-to-people connections across the continent. He also stressed the importance of allocating more resources to Public Accounts Committees and Supreme Audit Institutions to improve transparency, fight corruption, and build stronger systems of accountability.
The conference ended on a forward-looking note, with delegates highlighting the need for united action in strengthening parliamentary practices across West Africa. Liberia was announced as the host of the next WAAPAC Regional Conference, continuing the association’s commitment to promoting transparency and oversight in public finance.
Nigeria’s successful hosting has been widely seen as a step towards strengthening its leadership role in regional governance and accountability initiatives.
