At the opening of annual conference of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, the President said “our journey towards a united and prosperous nation envisages a strong patriotic competent and highly productive manpower.
“We remain resolute to deliver good governance to Nigerians. Transparency and accountability remain key elements in the general conduct of government businesses hence this administration is fully committed to timely implementation of accrual based international public sector accounting standards (IPSAS) with a view to deepen public financial management reforms.”
Buhari who was represented by Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris said in order to put Nigeria first, “we must entrench a system that would motivate and encourage our teeming youths to focus on innovation as key to achieving long lasting competitive edge.
“This administration will continue to support, encourage and motivate our youths towards self reliance with emphasis on agriculture, science and technology.
“Nigeria of our dreams is one that must prepare itself for global competition not only in recruitment space but also in the delivery of goods and services to the citizens in line with the SDG.
“The process of making this is a collective responsibility, Nigerians must work together and all hands must be on deck for our nation to be on the path of sustainable economic growth and development.”
While noting that accounting and auditing play key roles in public finance management through the provision of reliable financial positions of businesses in both public and private sectors, Buhari warned that In order to effectively do this, data integrity is paramount to guarantee accurate liabilities and comparability.
He urged ICAN to consider the need to review its curriculum to include the impact of cyber crime and security and also expressed appreciation for efforts of members in supporting anti-corruption campaign of this administration through the establishment of the whistle-blower support fund and accountant disciplinary tribunal.
“As accountants I urge you to put Nigeria first in all your professional endeavours in a way that negates tendencies towards corruption
“I enjoin delegates to strengthen and deepen collaboration with government at all levels and to proffer viable solutions to the numerous challenges facing our economy and for our growth and development.
“Government on its part, will give full consideration to your expertise in the seamless and successful implementation of its public management policies”, the President promised.
In his own address, ICAN President, Isma’ila Zakari observed that chartered accountants should be ready to lead the way combining talents with strategy to bring together like minded stakeholders to brain storm and formulate practical solutions to our nation’s problems.
“At the end of the conference we will learn of the new opportunities and challenges of the profession and new innovations as well as invaluable professional contacts gained through networking opportunities.”
He disclosed that during the conference, ICAN Accountability Index, the first of its kind mechanism for assessing public finance management and public governance practices of Nigerian public sector institutions including the federal, state and local governments would be launched.
The conference will also discuss the challenges of future of work and Nigeria’s unemployment problem.
“We are sitting on powerful and deadly time bomb in terms of unemployment and there is no need.
“Our council is of the firm belief that with regards to unemployment the government cannot do it alone and we all have to put all hands on decker save the future of our teeming youths in parts of our country.
“Similarly there will be concurrent sessions which will deal with keys issues in our profession such as integrated reporting, cyber security, Islamic finance etc. which will be interactive.”
Zakari told his audience that in its continuing efforts to sharpen professional ethics and contribute to nation building, ICAN has recently adopted the revised global ethical code on non-compliance with laws and regulations (NOCLAR).
“This code is a whistleblowing initiative which mandates accountants and auditors to expose any act of non compliance to laws and regulations by their employers and clients to relevant authorities.
“The code guides professional accountants and auditors on actions to be taken in the public interest when they become aware of potential illegal acts committed by their employers and clients.”
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