Mutfwang hails as W’Bank appoints Nigerian, Ibrahim Pam,

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

The Board of the World Bank Group have appointed a Nigerian, Ibrahim James Pam, as the Chair of the Inspection Panel of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO).

He is also to concurrently serve as acting Director General of CAO.

The appointment takes effect from August 2, 2026

A statement signed by CAO Head of Communications, Emily Horgan, said he would serve in this capacity until the new World Bank Group Independent Accountability Mechanism Director General/Vice President is appointed

Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) is the independent accountability mechanism for projects supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA, members of the World Bank Group.

Governor Mutfwang of Plateau state described the appointment as well deserved given Pam’s achievement in the war against corruption.

In a statement by the Director of Press Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor said that the appointment further reinforces Plateau State’s enduring reputation as a reservoir of exceptional talent, integrity, professionalism, and visionary leadership whose citizens continue to make significant contributions to global development. CAO was established in 1999 and reports directly to the Boards of IFC and MIGA.

For more than 20 years, CAO has worked to address the concerns of individuals or communities affected by IFC and MIGA projects, enhance the social and environmental outcomes of IFC and MIGA projects and to foster greater public accountability of IFC and MIGA.

The statement said: “In view of the forthcoming leadership transition at the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), the World Bank Group Boards have designated Ibrahim Pam, Chair of the Inspection Panel, to concurrently serve as acting CAO Director General, effective August 2, 2026.

“Mr. Pam will serve in this role until the new World Bank Group Independent Accountability Mechanism Director General/Vice President is appointed.”

Pam comes into the appointment with a rich parental, educational and professional background, working many years with the World Bank group and other anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria and overseas.

Born into the family of one time Adjutant General of the Nigerian Army, Late Lt. Col. James Pam (MFR), and human rights advocate and member of the Human Rights Investigation s Panel (Oputa Panel) and Plateau Peace Conference, Ngo Elizabeth Pam (OFR), Ibrahim is an accomplished international lawyer and criminal investigator, with strong leadership experience and specialization in investigation of mass crimes, human rights abuses, as well as fraud, financial crimes and compliance.

He has a broad experience in quasi-judicial administrative and criminal investigations in multiple jurisdictions around the world, on behalf of national and international investigative offices.

He has been a member of the inspection panel of the World Bank since January 2023 till date and had functioned in many capacities with the group, including interim head of the Independent Redress Mechanism of the Green Climate Fund, Songdo, Republic of Korea, from August 2022 – March 2023.

He was also the head of the independent Integrity unit of the Green Climate Fund from November 2016 to November 2022.

The acting director was with the office of internal oversight (OIOS, investigation Division of the United Nations in Joba , where he served as resident investigator, UN Mission in South Sudan.

Pam was also at the African Development Bank, Tunis/Abidjan where he served in the integrity and anti-corruption department (IACD) as well as office of the prosecutor (OTP), International Criminal Court, Hague, Netherlands amongst other notable appointments.

He also provided special legal assistance to the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (Oputa Panel) from April 2000 to July 2002.

An alumnus of the University of Jos, Pam started his law career with the legal firm of JY Pam and Co.; and thereafter worked with various reputable legal firms and the banking industry.

The acting director also worked with Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), from where he was awarded the Chevening Scholarship at the London School of Economics where he obtained a masters degree in International Law and Justice Policy in 2005.

Pam is married with children and grandchildren