Governor Muhammad Bago of Niger State has invited the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to audit the state’s financial records as part of efforts to enhance transparency, correct discrepancies and identify areas for improvement.
Bago made this known while declaring open the 20th Northern Zone Accountants’ Conference in Minna.
The conference, themed “Accountability and National Re-orientation: Unlocking Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Potentials,” brought together financial experts and policymakers to deliberate on strategies for national development.
Bago said the audit would serve as a model for other states, stressing that transparency and fiscal discipline were essential for good governance and sustainable economic growth. “The theme of this conference is timely and reflects the current realities of our nation. Accountability, rebuilding trust, fostering national values and stimulating economic growth are imperatives we must pursue relentlessly,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions of accountability and urged participants to generate actionable recommendations to help governments build resilient systems and restore public confidence.
In his remarks, ICAN President, Malam Haruna Yahaya, welcomed the partnership and assured that the audit would be carried out independently.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the conference theme aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s national agenda, noting that accountability remained the cornerstone of every thriving society.
Represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba-Ndace, the minister added that the ministry was deepening citizen engagement and opening up government initiatives. He emphasised that accountability was a shared responsibility required to unlock Nigeria’s future.
(NAN)