Business
Accountants’ Conference asks FG to adopt education, prevention, sanctions in fight against corruption
…Wants unemployment, poverty addressed by FG through entrepreneurship programmes for youths
The Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has recommended a three-way approach to the Federal Government in its fight against corruption.
The Conference urged the Government to adopt education, prevention and sanctions in its anti-corruption drive towards positioning the economy to grow in a sustainable manner.
The accountants also called on the government to address the issue of unemployment and poverty by creating start-up entrepreneurship programmes for youths and supporting them with enabling environment and funding.
These recommendations are contained in the communiqué issued at the end of its 49th Annual Accountants’ Conference in Abuja, which was attended by 5,653 participants from 14 countries.
The communiqué was signed by the President and Chairman of Council of ICAN, Mazi Nnamdi A. Okwuadigbo (FCA) and Chairman of ICAN Conference Planning Committee, Queensley S. Seghosime (FCA).
In the communiqué, the accountants’ conference emphasised the need for education through strengthening institutions such as revenue collecting agencies, the three arms of government, law enforcement agencies, regulatory agencies, political parties and electoral bodies to regularly train and retrain their employees.
“Education should be given a pride of place as it creates awareness that enables citizens to easily identify where corruption exists,” it said.
It also advocated the creation of the necessary environment to prevent “crimes of opportunity” by ensuring individuals and organisations operate within the shared fundamental traits that are grounded in law, particularly appropriate and prompt payments of remunerations.
“Some of the agencies created to fight corruption appear to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem and have in certain instances adopted strategies that seem to infringe on the rights of citizens.
“The sanctions to be meted out on corrupt citizens must be fair and not selective. It should not be seen to infringe on the rights of citizens. These institutions and agencies should demonstrate independence from government interference,” the ICAN’s Accountants’ Conference added.
On public accountability, the conference advised the Federal Government to hasten the full implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) to enhance transparency in public financial management and reporting.
“Government institutions are accountable to their people and should use their resources judiciously and not mismanage them. Transparent leadership and governance will allow citizens to identify indicators of under-performance on the part of political leadership and exert well-targeted pressure to put them back on track,” it noted.
On tackling insecurity in the country, the conference counselled the Federal Government to create employment opportunities as a means of curbing insurgency as well as develop sustainable strategies to manage the impact of climate change in the Borno State and any other part of the nation facing security challenges.
The accountants’ conference said, “Security is evidently the pillar upon which every meaningful development could be achieved and sustained. Many had hoped that the return to democratic governance in Nigeria would address insurgency and restiveness. Instead, insecurity remains one of the major obstacles to development.
“The Conference considered the case of Borno State where insurgency and climate change had destroyed over 75 per cent of developmental infrastructure and forced about 80 per cent of livestock farmers and pastoralists to migrate from the Lake Chad Basin to the Middle Belt and other parts of the country. These have caused unfortunate clashes between herdsmen and farmers.”
Other recommendations by the accountants’ conference include:
· On infrastructure, the conference recommends huge investment in power lines and substations through the rehabilitation of abandoned equipment; dealing with under-performing contracts; re-conductoring of 132KV lines; vigorous pursuit of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative on hydro and other sources of power; accessing and re-assessing donor-funded programmes and their management; and in general adopt a disciplined application of market rules.
· Government should take advantage of the Nation’s young and growing population of professionals to be leaders in the area of disruptive technologies. This would require upgrading the curriculum of the entire educational system.
· Accountants are advised to skill up and adapt quickly to the new changes. The accounting profession’s response to cyber risk should include focusing on business-critical data, new controls around detection, response, resilience and a dynamic externally focused approach.
· Governments at all levels are advised to place high premium on Accountability by fully embracing the ICAN Accountability Index (ICAN-AI) programme.
· As watchdogs in organizations, accountants should continue to enable practices that ensure the judicious use of resources and demonstrate honesty in the discharge of their professional duties. Accountants are enjoined to embrace the Non Compliance with Laws and Regulations (NOCLAR).
· There is the need to attract more people of proven integrity into the political space to occupy positions of leadership based on merit. Persons who are under investigation should not be given political appointments until they are cleared by the appropriate authorities of any wrongdoing.
· In line with the ICAN motto – Accuracy and Integrity – Chartered Accountants are encouraged to get involved in active politics so as to contribute their quota to the quality of political leadership in Nigeria.
· The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) recently issued Letters of Substitution to commercial banks in Nigeria (“the Substitution Banks” or “SBs”), appointing them as tax collecting agents for certain listed customers (“affected companies”) maintaining bank accounts with the banks. FIRS, by the Letters of Substitution, intended to improve government’s tax revenues by increasing the base of tax-paying entities in Nigeria and thereby limiting the high incidence of tax evasion in the country. The Conference condemned tax evasion but whilst acknowledging the powers of the FIRS to recover taxes payable, advised FIRS to follow due process and respect the rights of taxpayers in its strategic drive at increasing revenue.
Signed
Bunmi Owolabi
Head, Corporate Communications,
ICAN
22nd September, 2019
Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing Felicitates Olofin of Ilisan Remo on 86th Birthday
The Borokinni of Ilishan Remo, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, as the revered monarch celebrates his 86th birthday anniversary.
In a statement released to commemorate the royal father’s birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing described the monarch as a symbol of peace, wisdom, progress, and exemplary royal leadership, whose reign has continued to bring honor and development to Ilisan Remo.
According to him, since ascending the revered throne of his forefathers, the Olofin has consistently demonstrated purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to the unity, growth, and cultural advancement of the kingdom, while fostering peace and harmony among the people.
He further noted that the monarch’s reign has inspired pride and confidence among indigenes of Ilisan Remo both at home and in the diaspora, adding that Kabiyesi’s dedication to community development and preservation of tradition remains highly commendable.
The Borokinni prayed for continued divine grace, sound health, long life, and greater wisdom for the royal father as he continues his impactful reign on the throne of his ancestors.
“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I heartily congratulate His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, on the joyous occasion of his 86th birthday. May Almighty God continue to strengthen Kabiyesi with peace, sound health, and many more years of fruitful reign,” he stated.
Aliko Dangote Foundation, WEF Unveil 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows
…Spotlighting Africa’s Next Generation of Change Leaders
World Economic Forum (WEF) in partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has announced the 2026 cohort of the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Aliko Dangote Fellows, highlighting a new generation of African leaders committed to expanding opportunity and strengthening institutions across the African continent.
The Fellowship serves as a critical bridge between Africa’s emerging changemakers and the global Young Global Leaders network, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development. The YGL Aliko Dangote Fellowship supports high-impact African leaders by enabling their full participation in the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) programme and broader WEF activities.
WEF said the 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows represent diverse professional backgrounds spanning healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship, and advocacy across sub-Saharan Africa. The newly selected fellows are Dr. Esperance Luvindao; Charlot Magayi, Founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves; Rewa Udoji, Founder of Cranstoun; Dr. Stephen Modise; Dr. Musa Kika; Hatim Eltayeb; Kemi Lala Akindoju; and Vimbai Masiyiwa.
With a strong emphasis on empowering women leaders, the Fellowship is designed to support Africans shaping solutions to pressing social and economic challenges while strengthening leadership capacity across key sectors.
Over the past 14 years, the Aliko Dangote Foundation–powered Fellowship has supported more than 130 young African leaders, providing access to Davos meetings, executive education opportunities, and influential peer networks that amplify African voices on the global stage.
Commenting on the announcement, Fatima Aliko Dangote, Trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and Group Executive Director, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, described the 2026 fellows as “leaders who will expand opportunity and strengthen institutions, advancing Africa on its own terms.”
She added: “Africa’s future will be defined by the strength of its people. When the right leaders—especially women—are empowered and given a global voice, they do not just lead; they reshape what is possible. That is why we invest in people: because it is the surest path to lasting global prosperity, stability, and self-determination. The 2026 cohort embodies this vision.”
According to her: the 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows represent that future leaders who will expand opportunity and strengthen institutions, advancing Africa on its own terms while helping define a world whose future will be shaped by the continent.
She explained that the idea behind the YGL Aliko Dangote Fellowship is to cultivate, empower, and support exceptional African leaders under 40, ensuring they have the resources to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Young Global Leaders (YGL) community. It specifically aims to accelerate their impact on the continent and globally.
Details of the new fellows in the announcement indicated that; Hatim Eltayeb, is the Chief Executive Officer of African Leadership Academy, strengthening one of the continent’s most important leadership institutions; Dr Esperance Luvindao, Namibia’s Minister of Health and Social Services, combining clinical experience with digital health and grassroots innovation; Charlot Magayi, the Kenyan founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves, linking clean energy, public health and livelihoods; Dr Stephen Modise, Botswana’s Minister of Health, bringing a data-driven approach to public health reform.
Dr Musa Kika, Executive Director of the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, using law to defend constitutionalism and civic space; Rewa Udoji, the Nigerian artist and finance professional whose work bridges culture, capital and women’s economic literacy; Kemi Lala Akindoju, the Nigerian producer and actor helping reshape the creative economy through talent development, financing and more grounded storytelling; and Ms Vimbai Masiyiwa, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Batoka Africa, building a model of tourism rooted in sustainability, community ownership and women’s empowerment. Together, they reflect the range of leadership the fellowship is designed to support public leaders, entrepreneurs, institution-builders and cultural actors already shaping systems in very different ways.
It would be recalled that Aliko Dangote YGL Fellowship has supported more than 90 Fellows from over 25 African countries, thus enabling full participation in the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders programme through access to convenings, executive education, peer networks and global platforms.
Over that period, Fellows have taken part in more than 400 engagements across Annual Meetings, regional summits and learning modules, contributing to debates on finance, climate, health, technology and governance.
Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund Eyes Partnership with Dangote Group on Africa Investments
The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has held a high-level meeting with Nicolai Tangen, the Chief Executive Officer of Norges Bank Investment Management, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund manager, overseeing assets valued at approximately $1.9 trillion.
At the meeting, the Norwegian investment institution expressed strong interest in partnering with Dangote Group to expand its footprint across the African continent, with a focus on strategic sectors including power, energy, renewables, agriculture, fertiliser and cement.
Also present at the meeting were Svein Tore Holsether, Chief Executive Officer of Yara International, one of the world’s leading fertiliser and agricultural companies, and Terje Pilskog, Chief Executive Officer of Scatec, a global renewable energy company.
The engagement shows growing global investor confidence in Africa’s industrial and infrastructure potential, as well as the increasing role of indigenous conglomerates such as Dangote Group in driving large-scale economic transformation.
For Dangote Group, the potential partnership represents a significant opportunity to deepen its investments across key sectors critical to Africa’s development, particularly in energy transition, food security and industrial capacity expansion.
The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, widely regarded as a benchmark for global institutional investment, has in recent years shown increased interest in emerging markets, with Africa seen as a frontier for long-term value creation.
The collaboration between the fund and Dangote Group could unlock substantial capital flows into critical infrastructure and industrial projects, further accelerating economic growth and regional integration across the continent.
- Africa’s next energy boom will be won through infrastructure, not exploration alone May 11, 2026
- President El-Sisi Heads to Kenya to Participate in the Africa–France Summit May 11, 2026
- Telecoming Strengthens Its Presence in Africa with the Launch of DCB Software South Africa May 11, 2026
- From Megawatt (MW) to Gigawatt (GW): Why Africa Must Think in Grid-Scale Power to Compete in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Economy May 11, 2026
- Enlit Africa 2026 makes 20 May the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) delivery day across power, water and clean energy hubs May 11, 2026
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Ethiopia Officially Launch Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) 2026 to Advance Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda May 10, 2026
- How a Mother Broke Tradition to Fight for her Son’s Life May 10, 2026
- Seychelles - Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Ambassador Barry Faure conducts bilateral meetings in the margins of Seychelles Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Switzerland May 9, 2026
- Egypt - President El-Sisi, French President Macron Attend Opening of Senghor University New Headquarters May 9, 2026
- Rhino Resources Joins African Energy Week (AEW) as Gold Sponsor as Southern African Exploration Expands May 8, 2026
- Africa’s next energy boom will be won through infrastructure, not exploration alone May 11, 2026
- President El-Sisi Heads to Kenya to Participate in the Africa–France Summit May 11, 2026
- Telecoming Strengthens Its Presence in Africa with the Launch of DCB Software South Africa May 11, 2026
- From Megawatt (MW) to Gigawatt (GW): Why Africa Must Think in Grid-Scale Power to Compete in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Economy May 11, 2026
- Enlit Africa 2026 makes 20 May the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) delivery day across power, water and clean energy hubs May 11, 2026
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Ethiopia Officially Launch Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) 2026 to Advance Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda May 10, 2026
- How a Mother Broke Tradition to Fight for her Son’s Life May 10, 2026
-
news5 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society1 week agoSOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD COMMAND – WHY THE NIGERIAN ARMY’S ACTION AGAINST JUSTICE CRACK IS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE
-
celebrity radar - gossips4 months agoDr. Chris Okafor Returns with Power and Fire of the Spirit -Mounts Grace Nation Altar with Fresh Anointing and Restoration Grace on February 1, 2026
-
celebrity radar - gossips5 months agoProphet Kingsley Aitafo Releases 2026 Prophecy: ‘Nigeria Will Rise, but the World Must Prepare for Turbulence’
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.