8th October, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Tinubu has urged accountants and policymakers to embrace innovation and collaboration in governance.
Speaking at the 54th Annual Accountants Conference themed “Governance Reimagined: Mapping the Future,” Tinubu emphasised the need for transformative strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s governance and economy.
In his opening remarks, President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, acknowledged the vital role accountants play in promoting transparency and accountability, noting that their expertise forms the bedrock of public trust.
“Your role in cultivating transparency, upholding integrity, and managing our nation’s resources adeptly is indispensable,” he said, urging participants to use their collective knowledge to foster a more transparent and equitable society.
The conference comes at a time when Nigeria faces a rapidly evolving governance landscape, which Tinubu believes presents both challenges and opportunities.
“Emerging technologies are opening new avenues for enhancing accountability and transparency,” he stated, calling for collaboration between policymakers, regulators, and professionals to seize these opportunities.
Highlighting the “Renewed Hope” agenda, Tinubu outlined several key reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy.
He praised recent achievements, including positive GDP growth in the first half of 2024, stabilizing foreign exchange markets, and falling inflation rates.
According to Tinubu, these reforms, such as digitizing revenue collection, implementing consumer credit systems, and reforming mortgage structures, are designed to place Nigeria on a path to higher, sustainable growth.
Additionally, the President reiterated his administration’s decision to remove costly subsidies, which he said has reduced revenue losses and increased allocations to the three tiers of government.
“Social investment spending is increasing, the minimum wage has been raised, and interventions in farming, fishing, and the livestock sector have expanded,” he noted.
Tinubu called on the attendees to actively participate in the conference discussions, urging them to share insights and develop actionable strategies for Nigeria’s future.
“Together, let us reimagine governance and map a future that generations will look upon with pride.”
The event, which brings together policymakers, accountants, and industry leaders, is expected to feature discussions on governance, accountability, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping Nigeria’s future.