Tinubu calls for transparent, accountable governance, at 54th Annual Accountants Conference
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the need for transformative governance and stronger accountability measures in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 54th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja, held under the theme “Governance Reimagined: Mapping the Future,” Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, called on accountants to use their expertise to foster transparency and efficiency across all sectors.
Tinubu praised the role of accountants in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape, noting that their work is essential to building trust in both government and private institutions.
“Your expertise does not merely shape our economic landscape—it fortifies the foundation of trust upon which our societal progress is built,” he said.
The President highlighted the evolving challenges and opportunities in governance, including the impact of emerging technologies. He urged participants to collaborate in leveraging these technologies to enhance accountability and transparency in public administration.
“We must foster robust collaboration and networking among policymakers, regulators, and professionals to harness these opportunities effectively,” Tinubu added.
Reflecting on his administration’s economic reforms, Tinubu explained that the difficult decisions made over the past 17 months were necessary to stop Nigeria’s economic decline and put the country on a path to sustainable growth.
He cited positive economic indicators, including GDP growth and stabilizing inflation, as evidence that the government’s policies are yielding results.
Tinubu also outlined several ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the economy, such as the digitization of revenue collection, consumer credit systems to boost manufacturing, mortgage reforms for home ownership, and the development of agriculture through the creation of an agriculture fund.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to institutional reforms, emphasizing the importance of removing “punitive subsidies” and increasing revenue for the three tiers of government.
These reforms, he said, have enabled more social investment spending, including higher minimum wages, student loans, and support for small businesses and vulnerable populations.
“As we delve into the complexities of governance, I call upon each of you to participate actively in the dialogues unfolding over the next few days,” Tinubu urged attendees.
“Together, let us develop actionable plans to lead Nigeria towards a future where governance is synonymous with integrity, transparency, and accountability.”
The President declared the conference open, encouraging accountants to engage in meaningful discussions that could reshape Nigeria’s governance and map a future of sustainable development.
