The Auditor General joined the CSO to assure the PAC of collaboration in order to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country.
The Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF) and a Civil Society Organisations (CSO) have expressed willingness to support the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives in redefining the fiscal responsibility regime order to curb corruption and promote transparency and accountability for good governance in Nigeria.
This came to light at a capacity-building event which also served as the unveiling of the PAC on Monday, in Abuja.
Mr. Victor Walsh Oluwafemi of the Africa Development Study Center (ADSC) reiterated his organization’s commitment to support the committee to safeguard the principles of fiscal responsibility and good governance for the common good of all.
Oluwafemi, recalled previous engagements between his center and the National Assembly, adding that PAC’s decision to retain the working relationship reaffirms the committee’s commitment to good governance.
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He said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Public Accounts Committee for the opportunity given to the Africa Development Study Center (ADSC) to be of service. It is a testament to your commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“Interestingly, I would like to take a moment to reflect on ADSC’s past engagements and the enduring partnership that existed over the years with the National Assembly, especially with the 5th – 9th House of Representatives.
“Today’s engagement is unique in many ways; it is an opportunity for us to come together and work towards a common goal – strengthening the oversight role of the Public Accounts Committee in the 10th House of Representatives through capacity development. As we get on this mutual partnership, we must reiterate the pivotal role that Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members play in safeguarding the existential principles of fiscal responsibility and good governance for the common good of all.”
Speaking earlier, the Auditor-General for the Federation, Onwudili Ogochukwu, enjoined the 10th House to match its legislative agenda with financial oversight, scrutiny, and accountability, adding:
“More than ever before, elected legislators need to work in harmony and in the best interest of the committee with a common vision, a common mission, and immense responsibilities and functions of PAC that lie on our shoulders as honorable members.
“The renewed hope of the present administration can only be sustained if we do not relent in our efforts to fight corruption. The PAC endeavors to promote transparency, accountability, and a prosperous future for our nation.”
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Chairman of PAC, Rep. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) expressed readiness to hit the ground running in accordance with the set vision, mission, and goals of the committee according to the law.
“The Committee is ready to hit the ground running; the vision is to deliver on the PAC as enshrined in the 1999 constitution. The mission is to ensure the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government are able to utilise appropriately, the funds available in their coffers.
“Our strategic goal is to train and retrain to ensure we are equipped and to enhance our own capability to carry out oversight functions,” he said.
