By Matthew Denis
President and Chairman of the Council of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr. James Ekerare Neminebor, has highlighted the detrimental impact of corruption, mismanagement, and lack of accountability on national growth and development.
In his opening remarks at the 29th Annual National Conference of ANAN held in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Neminebor addressed the theme, “Advancing Accounting Excellence in a Changing World.”
He emphasised the need for professionals to be proactive and adaptable in navigating economic disruptions and technological advancements.
He stated, “As professionals, we must be proactive and adaptive in turning economic disruptions into opportunities for optimal development. Financial transparency and governance are increasingly imperative, providing clear and accurate reporting to stakeholders and ensuring access to reliable information. There is no doubt that corruption, mismanagement, and lack of accountability hinder our nation’s growth and development.”
Dr. Neminebor underlined that financial transparency is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. It ensures accountability, builds trust, and promotes sustainable growth.
He called for the strengthening of institutions, enhanced oversight, and strict consequences for misconduct. Additionally, he advocated for empowering citizens through access to information, education, and participation in the budget process.
The President also emphasised the importance of integrating environmental sustainability into financial decisions, recognizing the impact of our actions on the planet.
The conference aims to enhance professional skills in alignment with the digital economy, enabling accountants to utilise artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and cloud computing, among other technologies.
Chief Executive of ANAN, Dr. Kayode Olushola Fasua, noted that the accounting profession is evolving with these technological realities. He highlighted that approximately 6,000 members are participating in this year’s conference to share professional insights and experiences on accounting dynamics.
Addressing economic challenges, Dr. Fasua appealed to President Tinubu to introduce economic policies that would alleviate the effects of high inflation and reduce fuel pump prices.