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…set to probe Auditor General’s findings as lawmakers push for stronger oversight powers

By Gloria Ikibah

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the ECOWAS Parliament has announced plans to begin public hearings on audit reports submitted by the Community’s Auditor General as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and financial accountability within regional institutions.

The committee’s First Rapporteur, Senator Osita Izunaso, disclosed the development after the conclusion of a three-day capacity-building workshop for PAC members in Accra, Ghana.

Izunaso commended committee members for their commitment throughout the training programme, noting that participation remained high despite the meeting being held away from the Parliament’s headquarters.

He explained that the timing of the committee’s inaugural public hearing will depend on when the Auditor General formally submits the relevant reports for review.

Reflecting on discussions during the workshop, Izunaso said members examined the structures and powers of several regional legislative bodies, including the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the ECOWAS Parliament.

According to him, the comparative review revealed that the European Parliament remains the only regional legislature with full autonomy.

He said: “Our powers are limited in terms of enforcement and implementation.

“We are looking at how to expand these issues, and one of the things we were told to do is to conduct oversight and hold public hearings.”

Izunaso said that audit reviews often involve sensitive findings, with auditors sometimes preferring not to be publicly identified when irregularities are uncovered. For that reason, he stressed the importance of ensuring audit reports are fully prepared and available before committee deliberations begin.

To strengthen its effectiveness and ensure continuity in its work, the committee has resolved to hold meetings on a more regular basis.

He further disclosed that recommendations and findings arising from the committee’s activities would be presented to the ECOWAS Parliament during its Second Ordinary Session scheduled to hold in Abuja, where the full assembly will take a final position on the matters raised.

The planned public hearings are expected to mark a significant step in the committee’s efforts to reinforce financial oversight and improve accountability across ECOWAS institutions.

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…as PAC strengthen audit monitoring,accountability mechanisms across regional institutions

By Gloria Ikibah

Members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the ECOWAS Parliament have concluded a three-day capacity-building workshop in Accra, Ghana, designed to enhance their ability to scrutinise public spending and strengthen accountability across institutions of the regional bloc.

The training programme focused on improving lawmakers’ understanding of oversight responsibilities, particularly in monitoring expenditure by the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Parliament and the Community Court of Justice.

Speaking after the workshop, the Committee’s First Rapporteur, Senator Osita Izunaso from Nigeria, described the exercise as highly beneficial, saying it had provided participants with practical knowledge to perform their duties more effectively.

“This capacity building has helped us to carry out our legislative oversight duties more effectively,” he said.

According to him, the committee had in the past struggled to fully discharge some of its responsibilities due to limited understanding of its mandate and operational procedures.

“Members did not fully understand their roles or what they were supposed to do,” Izunaso explained.

Over the course of the training, participants examined audit-tracking mechanisms and explored ways of strengthening collaboration with other parliamentary committees responsible for administration, finance and budget matters.

“Today we looked at the recommendations of the tracking system, how we can track the audit, and we examined our job as it relates to the administration, finance, and budget committee. We reviewed both our mandate and theirs to ensure there is no friction,” he added.

He noted that discussions also highlighted some of the challenges confronting the committee, particularly regarding the scope of its authority within the ECOWAS Parliament.

The workshop forms part of broader efforts by the regional legislature to improve transparency, accountability and institutional effectiveness across ECOWAS bodies, while equipping lawmakers with the tools needed to strengthen financial oversight and ensure prudent management of community resources.

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It was jubilation galore midweek as the Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District , Haruna Manu moved for the completion of a health facility abandoned over 40 years ago in Garba Chede, Bali Local Government Area.

On behalf of the Senator, Professor Yusha’au Bali, has officially flagged off the completion of a comprehensive health center in Garba Chede, Bali Local Government Area.

This beautiful development addresses a critical need for the community, as the hospital project had remained unfinished for over 40 years.

The residents of Garba chede expressed great joy and gratitude for the Senator’s commitment to finally set to completing the long-awaited healthcare facility.