President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on accountants nationwide to take a proactive stance in fostering transparency, accountability, and sustainable financial management as Nigeria strives to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Addressing the 55th Annual Accountants Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, the President emphasized that his administration’s economic blueprint centers on job creation, capital accessibility, inclusiveness, and adherence to the rule of law. He highlighted these elements as essential for cultivating a robust and globally competitive economy.
“Reaching the milestone of a trillion-dollar economy by 2030 is more than an ambition-it is a collective call to action for all stakeholders, including accountants, financial experts, and policymakers,” Tinubu asserted.
He encouraged ICAN members and financial professionals to lead the way in promoting transparency, leveraging data-driven policies, and upholding ethical leadership, underscoring their vital role in driving national progress.
“Adopting sustainable financial practices, transparent reporting, and accountable governance will unlock fresh avenues for growth, stimulate innovation, and establish a resilient economy that serves all Nigerians,” he added.
The President urged the accounting community to be at the forefront of financial discipline and transparency, delivering precise, data-supported insights to inform government policies, and collaborating on the design and execution of citizen-focused reforms that accelerate development.
He also called on accountants to mentor emerging professionals and invest in innovative solutions that equip the next generation for leadership roles in financial governance and management.
ICAN President Haruna Yahaya highlighted the necessity for Nigeria to build resilience by preparing the nation to withstand shocks and secure its future through strong institutions, a diversified economy, investment in human capital, and dependable infrastructure.
The conference theme, “Building Resilience-Aligning Reforms for Nigeria’s Development,” reflects a critical national mission. Yahaya urged government officials to balance bold reforms with protective measures, discipline with data accuracy, and reform initiatives with tangible outcomes to realize economic prosperity.
He affirmed ICAN’s commitment to harmonizing finance with development through assurance and discipline, aligning taxation with fairness via standards and simplification, and fostering trust through transparent public reporting as part of enhancing Nigeria’s public financial management.
For six decades, ICAN has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape-establishing standards, reinforcing institutions, and nurturing generations of professionals. Over the past 55 years, its conferences have served as platforms where ideas transform into policies and recommendations evolve into reforms, influencing governance within Nigeria and sparking meaningful discussions internationally.
President Tinubu noted that Nigeria is at a crucial crossroads, with the choices made today by citizens, professionals, and leaders determining the nation’s trajectory.
“Let us dedicate ourselves to resilience, reform, and the advancement of our beloved Nigeria,” he urged. “I call on ICAN to persist in leading efforts to promote ethical behavior, advocate for sound financial reforms, and support policies and programs that ensure sustainable development.”
Tinubu reaffirmed that the credibility of financial reporting and the success of reforms in public sector financial management heavily rely on the professionalism of accountants, emphasizing that investor confidence-both domestic and international-depends on their integrity and ethical standards.
He further appealed to the private sector and civil society organizations to collaborate with the government and maintain vigilance in safeguarding governance systems that uphold transparency and public trust.
“Together, we can forge a future where economic disruptions do not hinder progress, governance exemplifies integrity, and every Nigerian thrives in a sustainable and equitable society,” Tinubu concluded.
Reflecting on the conference’s theme, the President encouraged the accounting profession to embrace sustainability, transparency, and prudence as core principles guiding their work.
He described accountants as “stewards of public confidence and protectors of the financial data that either strengthen or weaken economic resilience,” emphasizing their fundamental role in Nigeria’s economic stability.
“Your efforts are essential to transforming Nigeria into a nation where resilience is deliberately constructed, not left to chance,” he concluded.
