REPS TO HOST NATIONAL, REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND FISCAL GOVERNANCE
04-06-25
By Sadiq Aminu Financial Reforms: Reps To Host National, Regional Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance.
As part of efforts to reshape the nation’s fiscal accountability architecture and address the country’s financial leakages the House of Representatives is to host a National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance
Speaking at a pre-conference news briefing at the National Assembly Complex with the House of Representatives Press Corps, Chairman Public Accounts Committee, PAC, Mr. Bamidele Salam, pointed out that the conference would provide opportunity for deeper financial collaboration among stakeholders.
Mr. Salam 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.
According to Mr Salam, the Conference with the theme “Fiscal Governance in Nigeria: Charting a New Course for Transparency and Sustainable Development,” 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.
He 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.
The Chairman PAC said the conference would also provide a platform for building institutional and human capacity through training and workshops for Public Accounts Committees, auditors, finance managers, and regulatory officers.
Mr. Salam emphasized the need for building a strong consensus among stakeholders to drive forward accountability and transparency as core national values.