Nigeria has secured its first-ever elective leadership position in the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC), with Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Bamidele Salam, elected Secretary-General of the continental body.
Salam emerged through a unanimous election on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at AFROPAC’s 6th Annual General Meeting and Conference in Accra, Ghana, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s parliamentary and continental engagement.
Speaking after his emergence, Salam expressed appreciation to African delegates for the confidence reposed in him and Nigeria, describing the development as recognition of the contributions of Nigeria’s Public Accounts Committee to strengthening transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
His emergence represents the first time Nigeria will occupy an elective position in AFROPAC’s leadership since the organisation was established in 2013.
The lawmaker represents Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives. His election followed the endorsement of delegates from across the continent.
He also commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for the institutional support and opportunity to lead the Public Accounts Committee, noting that the Speaker’s commitment to parliamentary collaboration had provided an enabling environment for effective legislative oversight.
Salam further acknowledged members of the Nigerian delegation for their contributions to the country’s successful outing, particularly Hon. Jeremiah Umaru of Nasarawa State, Hon. Missau Aliyu Bappa of Bauchi State, Hon. Tunji Akinosi of Ogun State, and Mr Abiodun Delupe, Clerk/Director of the Public Accounts Committee.
Accepting the responsibility, the newly elected Secretary-General pledged to strengthen AFROPAC’s institutional capacity and advance its mandate of promoting accountability and good governance across Africa.
He said his four-year tenure, covering 2026 to 2030, would prioritise stronger parliamentary oversight institutions, improved public financial management, increased collaboration among Public Accounts Committees and effective implementation of audit recommendations across African countries.
The Secretariat expressed confidence in his experience, vision and commitment, noting that his leadership would strengthen AFROPAC’s efforts to promote legislative oversight and build a prosperous Africa.
The newly elected leadership comprises Malawi as Chairperson, Ghana as Deputy Chairperson, Nigeria as Secretary-General, Chad as Deputy Secretary-General, Eswatini as Treasurer-General and Kenya as Deputy Treasurer.
Salam’s election is expected to deepen Nigeria’s participation in continental parliamentary accountability initiatives while opening new opportunities for cooperation among African legislatures on transparency, fiscal discipline and responsible management of public resources.
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