Nigerian international lawyer and anti-corruption specialist Ibrahim James Pam has been appointed Acting Director-General of the World Bank Group's Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), the institution's independent accountability body for projects financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
The appointment, approved by the World Bank Group Boards, takes effect on August 2, 2026. Pam, who currently chairs the World Bank Inspection Panel, will oversee the CAO on an interim basis pending the appointment of a substantive Director-General and Vice President of the World Bank Group Independent Accountability Mechanism.
The World Bank announced the appointment in a statement issued by the CAO's Head of Communications, Emily Horgan, saying the arrangement is intended to ensure continuity during the organisation's leadership transition.
"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," the statement said.
"Mr. Pam will serve in this role until the new World Bank Group Independent Accountability Mechanism Director General/Vice President is appointed."
Established in 1999, the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman reports directly to the Boards of the IFC and MIGA.
It investigates complaints from individuals and communities affected by projects financed by the two institutions and promotes environmental and social accountability.
Pam brings decades of experience in international law, governance, anti-corruption, compliance, human rights and criminal investigations to the position.
He has served as a member of the World Bank Inspection Panel since January 2023 and previously held senior leadership roles at the Green Climate Fund, the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services, the African Development Bank and the International Criminal Court.
A graduate of the University of Jos, Pam began his legal career in Nigeria before joining the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He later earned a master's degree in international law and justice policy from the London School of Economics as a Chevening Scholar.
His appointment is expected to strengthen the World Bank Group's accountability and oversight framework, drawing on his extensive experience in governance, integrity, compliance and international justice.
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