Abia State delegates, led by the State Accountant-General, Dr Njum Nnennaya Uma-Onyemenam, participated in the 56th Annual Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Other members of the Abia delegation included Dr Anthony Nzeribe Nwaubani, Ph.D., FCA, FCIB, Mayor of Ikwuano; Hon. Philemon Ogbonna, Commissioner for Environment; Mrs Chioma Orikara, Commissioner, Civil Service Commission, Mrs Ngozi Eke, Auditor-General and Mr Emmanuel Okpechi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Abia State on IGR matters.
The conference, held from October 18 to 23, 2026, brought together accounting professionals, policymakers, government officials, business leaders and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s economy, promoting accountability and improving national security.
The event was held under the theme, “Beyond the Numbers: Strengthening the Economy, Securing the Nation.”
Uma-Onyemenam, who also serves as ICAN’s Honorary Treasurer and a member of its Governing Council, led the Abia delegation at the gathering, which focused on the role of professional accountants in strengthening public financial management, promoting transparency and supporting sustainable economic development.
The conference featured presentations and discussions on economic reforms, institutional accountability, revenue mobilisation, national security, digital transformation and the responsibilities of accountants in advancing good governance.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, ICAN President and Chairman of Council, Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, called for stronger institutions, responsible leadership and policies capable of sustaining national development beyond electoral cycles.
Seghosime said Nigeria’s progress should be measured not only by economic indicators but also by job creation, productive enterprises, food security and improved living standards.
She stressed that public trust, credible institutions and effective management of economic resources were essential to building a resilient economy and securing the nation.
The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, served as the special guest of honour and formally declared the conference open. Discussions at the event highlighted the importance of revenue mobilisation, fiscal responsibility and institutional reforms in supporting economic growth.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was among the key speakers at the conference, where he addressed issues surrounding economic resilience, national security and the role of accounting professionals in national development.
Sanwo-Olu challenged accountants to go beyond preparing financial statements by applying reliable financial information, professional judgement and ethical standards to support sound decisions and measurable development outcomes.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, also addressed the conference on Nigeria’s economic priorities and fiscal reforms, with emphasis on translating policy initiatives into sustainable economic growth and stronger institutions.
The President of the International Federation of Accountants, Jean Bouquot, provided an international perspective on the accounting profession’s contribution to resilient economies, effective governance, business sustainability and technological innovation.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, also underscored the relationship between national security, good governance and economic prosperity.
In his presentation, titled “National Security: Pathway to a Trillion-Dollar Economy,” Musa said sustainable security, strong governance and credible institutions were essential to Nigeria’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy.
He explained that national security extended beyond military operations and law enforcement to include the protection of human capital, critical infrastructure and the stable environment required to attract long-term investment.
The conference also explored emerging issues reshaping the accounting profession, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability reporting, cybersecurity and evolving regulatory requirements.
At the closing ceremony, Seghosime and ICAN Vice President, Dr Etofolam Osuji, urged accountants to translate their professional knowledge into practical results by strengthening accountability, resisting corruption, promoting ethical conduct and ensuring that decisions involving public and private resources were guided by credible information.
The organisers reported that the conference attracted 11,870 delegates, comprising 8,910 physical participants and 2,960 virtual attendees, including 517 young accountants.
The participation of the Abia State delegation provided an opportunity for the state’s financial and administrative officials to engage with professionals and policymakers on contemporary issues in public financial management, accountability and economic governance.
The conference reinforced the importance of professional competence, transparency and responsible financial management in building stronger institutions and supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic development.
Copyright Warning!
Disclaimer
Just to let you know, comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of OHAFIATV News or any employee thereof. Also, every opinion expressed in any article is strictly that of the author(s), except where otherwise stated.
