…holds 20th Western Zonal conference in Lagos
As Nigeria seeks sustainable economic revitalisation, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Western Zone, has emphasised that ethics, professional competence, and accountability must underpin all economic and financial practices.
The ICAN leaders at the 20th Western Zonal Conference who spoke at the media parley pushed for deliberate efforts and strategic interventions to drive the country’s economic revitalisation and long-term stability.
Kolawole Bisiriyu, ICAN 20th Western Zonal conference chairman, in his address, highlighted the importance of the conference with the theme: ‘Revitalising the Nigerian Economy for Sustainable Development: Accelerating New Frontiers’ which he said was curated specifically to address the contemporary complexities of the global finance world.
“We are not gathered merely to learn and network; we are here to influence the national trajectory through strategic decision-making.
“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,” he said.
Godwin Oyedokun, the past chairman of the Ilupeju/Gbagada District Society (IGDS), buttressing the crucial place of accountants in economic reforms, said that ICAN members have the trainings to be relevant in their profession and are vital to Nigeria’s economic revitalisation both in the public and private sectors.
“In every organisation, and field of endeavour, you need somebody to keep your record, and not just ordinary record, but financial record. “We’re being trained to help grow and develop any sector of the economy, and in turn, we develop economy,” he said.
Oyedokun noted that it is the responsibility of all thoroughbred accountants to be able to advise both the government, individuals to ensure that they are doing the right thing to turn around their business and to ensure that the government’s policies are well thought off.
“Basically, Nigeria will not be able to do anything progressive in its economic reforms without the people with financial expertise and integrity in place. In a nutshell, accountants are relevant in the country’s economic reforms,” he noted.
Ganiyu Semiu, the 11th Western zonal chairman, said the vision of ICAN is to be a leading global professional body with a mission to produce world-class chartered accountants, regulate and continually enhance their ethical standards and technical competence in the public interest.
Semiu emphasised that the theme of the conference reflects ICAN’s 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.
As the chairman of the Western Zone, which comprises 33 districts, I’m happy to lead a team of dedicated members who are true to the vision of the Institute and the growth of the Nigerian economy,” he said.
Titilayo Enitan, the conference director, reiterated that the Western Zone has achieved a milestone success with the three days conference aimed to upskill members to become more strategic and relevant in the ongoing economic revitalisation, especially the tax reform.
She disclosed that the goal of the conference billed for February 4 to 7, 2026, is to marshal more ideal strategies to move the country’s economy forward.
The ICAN leaders highlighted the association’s commitments in promoting accountability and transparency by advocating for ethical and competence-based practice which they say is the bedrock of Nigeria’s economic revitalisation.
“ICAN members provide expertise in tax policy, and by participating in policy formulation and providing feedback on economic policies, the association helps stabilise Nigeria’s economy, ethical leadership, and professional integrity to combat financial irregularities,” they noted.
