By Gloria Ikibah
The West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for Nigeria’s successful hosting of the 11th WAAPAC Regional Conference and General Assembly.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this was the first time since the establishment of WAAPAC in 2009 that Nigeria hosted the high-level gathering, which brought together delegates and public finance oversight experts from across the West African subregion. 
Organised by the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, the annual conference welcomed participants from thirteen African countries, alongside delegates from the Nigerian Parliament and several State Houses of Assembly.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, WAAPAC President, Hon. Traore Issouf, commended Nigeria for its hospitality and the Parliament for setting what he described as a benchmark in legislative accountability.
“Nigeria has set a model for parliamentary standards in Africa. The planning and organisation of this conference have been second to none,” Issouf said.
He also paid tribute to the Chairman of Nigeria’s Public Accounts Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, for his “leadership, commitment, and dedication” to advancing WAAPAC’s objectives.
Looking ahead, Issouf called on African countries to consider removing visa restrictions as a step towards deeper regional integration, enhanced trade, and stronger people-to-people ties.
He further urged national parliaments in West Africa to provide sufficient funding for Public Accounts Committees and Supreme Audit Institutions, describing them as vital for strengthening transparency, combating corruption, and curbing abuse of office.
The next WAAPAC Regional Conference will be hosted in Liberia.
