ICAN to promote professional excellence as driver of economic reform

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has revealed its plans to align professional excellence with contributions to the growth of the Nigerian and global economy.

The institute disclosed this at its 20th Western Zonal Accountants’ Conference with the theme: “Revitalising the Nigerian Economy for Sustainable Development: Accelerating New Frontiers,” held in Lagos on Wednesday.

The conference is scheduled to be held from 4 to 7 February.

In his address on the role of ICAN in national development, the 11th Western Zonal Chairman, Ganiyu Semiu, stated that the ICAN conference is meant to discuss the institute’s efforts to address Nigeria’s economic realities.

“The theme of this conference reflects our collective aspiration to align professional excellence with the imperatives of national transformation and the realities of an evolving global economy.

“It underscores the critical role of Chartered and Professional Accountants as trusted advisers, stewards of accountability, and architects of sustainable growth in both the public and private sectors,” Mr Semiu stated.

Speaking in a similar vein, the 20th Western Zonal Conference Chairman, Kolawole Bisiriyu, revealed that the conference will further explore critical topics that influence the national trajectory of the country, saying the outcome of the conference will impact the country’s decision-making.

“We are not gathered merely to learn and network; we are here to influence the national trajectory through strategic decision-making. We have invited eminent global thought leaders as our speakers, and I am confident they are prepared to deliver deep, actionable insights.

“We meet at a pivotal moment. The landscape of finance and accounting is shifting beneath our feet, driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving regulatory frameworks, and an increasing demand for radical transparency,” Mr Bisiriyu stated.

ICAN standards

Speaking on ICAN’s efforts to apply its standards and ethics to address Nigeria’s economic issues, the Deputy Conference Chairman, Godwin Emmanuel, said the organisation is guided by integrity, defined principles, and objectivity that align with modern economic approaches in the country.

“ICAN continually reviews its syllabus to ensure it aligns with the modern economic approach needed to support the economy. A key part of this competence value chain is the conference, where the chairman will introduce contributors who will present their papers.

“These contributors come from practice and industry, and together we examine how to organise the economy from different perspectives while communicating with one another. In this sense, the conference is one of the pillars on which ICAN relies to advance these areas.

“ICAN is grounded in objectivity. Across industry, academia, and service, we do not compromise on objective reporting because, without objectivity, there is no sustainability. Not all roads are our road; our road is defined, and while we are not rigid, we remain dynamic within the framework of objectivity,” Mr Emmanuel said.

While addressing questions on ICAN’s integration of technology into its operations and plans, Abiodun Adedeji, the conference adviser, said the institute has a committee that ensures ICT training, including AI and blockchain technology, forms part of its competency framework.

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He noted that this focus on technology and integrity is what lends credibility and inspires the confidence Nigeria seeks.

“ICT training, AI, and blockchain have been adopted because when you talk about integrity, it comes with audits and an audit market that lends credibility to the economy and to those charged with governance. Without that seal and authorisation, that credibility will not be lent, and it is this credibility that inspires the confidence Nigeria wants.

“AI and blockchain technology also help us to maintain notable aspects of our way of doing things that are not easily erasable. If this is what we are adopting, it means we are growing every day and moving toward the realm of development,” Mr Adedeji said.