By Fatima Ndagi
The House of Representatives will next week host the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC), with public debt oversight topping the agenda.
The five-day gathering, scheduled for September 8–12 at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, is expected to attract over 300 lawmakers, auditors, fiscal policy experts, and finance professionals from across the sub-region and beyond.
Founded in 2009 after a World Bank-backed seminar, WAAPAC brings together legislatures from West and Southern Africa to strengthen parliamentary accountability through peer learning and collaboration.
This year’s theme, “Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight of Public Debt: The Role of Finance and Public Accounts Committees”, reflects mounting concerns over rising debt profiles in many African countries.
Sessions will examine debt trends, clarify parliamentary roles in debt governance, and design strategies for sustainability.
Nigeria’s Committee on Public Accounts Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam, described the conference as “a robust platform for learning, engagement, and experience-sharing,” adding that it would advance fiscal responsibility and transparency across the region.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is billed to declare the conference open, while the Minister of Finance will deliver the keynote address. Dignitaries expected include the chairpersons of WAAPAC and AFROPAC, as well as representatives from UNDP, development partners, and sister parliamentary bodies.
The General Assembly will also deliberate on WAAPAC’s institutional growth and adopt country-specific action plans to strengthen oversight.
Salam urged the Nigerian media to give the event wide coverage, noting it was an opportunity to showcase Nigeria as host of one of Africa’s most important parliamentary accountability forums.