Internal Auditors are not just financial gatekeepers; they are strategic enablers of productivity, efficiency, and profitability across public and private organizations, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Nigeria has said.
Speaking at the unveiling of the 2025 IIA Nigeria Conference in Lagos at the weekend, the association emphasized the expanding role of internal auditors in helping organizations achieve set objectives through risk identification, control assurance, and adherence to operational procedures.
The IIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ambrose Enuma, noted that the days of internal auditors operating silently behind the scenes were over. “We are not just concerned with financials. We give assurance, support objectives, identify risks, and ensure compliance,” Enuma said at the event held at IIA’s Ikoyi office. He added that the Institute will increase the visibility and value of its members while offering continuous capacity-building opportunities.
Themed: “Living the Future: Fusing Tech and Ethics”, the 2025 annual conference is scheduled for September 17 at the Muson Centre, Lagos, and will explore the evolving relevance of internal auditors in a fast-changing business environment.
IIA President and Chairman, Mr. Simon-Jude Mmayie, reinforced the auditor’s dual role of compliance and advisory. “What we do is provide assurance to boards, and give insights and foresight that help organizations achieve their vision the right way,” he said.
Director of the Institute, Mr. Don Umeha, emphasized the growing corporate reliance on internal auditors. “That’s why we are ramping up public awareness and hosting two conferences annually—one in May, another in September,” he noted.
Conference Chairperson, Mrs. Bunmi Akinde, said the September event is a must-attend for professionals seeking to understand how technology and ethics shape the future of internal auditing. “This is an opportunity for every internal auditor to evaluate their roles and stay relevant,” she said.