Rep. Bamidele Salam has emerged as Secretary-General as Nigeria secured its first-ever elective position in the leadership of the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC)
Nigeria has secured its first-ever elective position in the leadership of the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC), following the election of the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Bamidele Salam, as Secretary-General of the continental body.
Salam emerged unopposed through a unanimous election on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at AFROPAC’s 6th Annual General Meeting and Conference held in Accra, Ghana.
His emergence marks the first time Nigeria will occupy an elective position in the organisation’s leadership since its establishment in 2013.
The lawmaker, who represents Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, secured the position following the endorsement of delegates from across the continent.
Speaking after his election, Rep. Salam expressed appreciation to his colleagues across Africa for the confidence reposed in him and Nigeria, describing the development as recognition of the contributions of the Nigerian Public Accounts Committee towards strengthening accountability and transparency in public financial management.
He also acknowledged the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for the institutional support and opportunity to lead the Public Accounts Committee.
According to him, the Speaker’s support has provided an enabling environment for the committee to discharge its constitutional responsibilities, strengthen legislative oversight and promote accountability in the management of public resources.
Salam further commended members of the Nigerian delegation for their contributions to the country’s successful outing at the conference.
Those recognised included Reps. Jeremiah Umaru of Nasarawa State, Missau Aliyu Bappa of Bauchi State and Tunji Akinosi of Ogun State, as well as Abiodun Delupe, Clerk/Director of the Public Accounts Committee.
Accepting the new responsibility, the lawmaker pledged to advance AFROPAC’s objectives and strengthen its role in promoting accountability, transparency and good governance across African countries.
He said his four-year tenure, covering 2026 to 2030, would prioritise strengthening parliamentary oversight institutions, promoting sound financial management and facilitating greater collaboration among Public Accounts Committees across the continent.
Salam also identified the effective implementation of audit recommendations as a key area of focus, stressing that stronger cooperation among parliamentary oversight institutions was necessary to ensure that public resources were properly managed and transparently utilised for the benefit of citizens.
In a congratulatory message, the AFROPAC Secretariat in Nairobi welcomed Nigeria’s entry into the organisation’s Executive Committee, describing Salam’s emergence as a significant development for the continental body.
The secretariat expressed confidence in his experience, vision and commitment, noting that his leadership would contribute to strengthening AFROPAC’s efforts to promote legislative oversight and build a prosperous Africa.
The newly elected leadership of the organisation 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 provide an opportunity for Nigeria to deepen its engagement with continental parliamentary accountability institutions and strengthen collaboration among African legislatures on transparency, fiscal discipline and responsible public financial management.
