By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Bamidele Salam and his colleague in the Senate, Senator Ahmed Wadada have urged Nigerians to recommit to accountability, transparency and adherence to established rules for the betterment of the country.
The lawmakers spoke yesterday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance, held in Abuja, even as they lamented the corruption, mismanagement of public fund in the country.
They noted that such problems can not be tackled by government alone, but require strong involvement of every citizen.
“If we truly want a greater Nigeria, the responsibility lies with every one of us,” Salam declared. He challenged participants to leave the summit with a renewed moral compass, stressing that the much-needed reforms in governance must start with personal and institutional integrity. According to him, the national discourse over the last few days has been both timely and vital in resetting the agenda for public sector efficiency.”
Salam further used the opportunity to announce that conversations were still ongoing within the National Assembly to possibly institutionalise the conference as an annual event, given its relevance and impact.
“Many have suggested that this should become an annual event. Once the outcomes are reviewed, we’ll take an informed decision,” adding that governance transformation should be sustained through collective national commitment.
In his address, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, and regional divisions and unite in the fight for a transparent and accountable public service.
He reminded citizens that building a better Nigeria was not the duty of public office holders alone, but a shared national obligation.
“The responsibility of keeping Nigeria corrupt-free or minimally corrupt lies on all of us,” he said.
Consequently, Wadada called on Nigerians to reject sentiments into critical national matters, especially governance and public accountability.
Highpoint of the event was a presentation of plagues to critical stakeholders who have contributed directly and indirectly to the success of the three days international summit.
