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The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has charged accountants across the country to uphold integrity, independence and professional ethics in the discharge of their duties, warning that public confidence in government, businesses and other institutions depends largely on the credibility of financial information they provide.
The President and Chairman of Council of ICAN, Hajia Queensley Seghosime, gave the charge in her address to members to mark the 2026 International Accounting Day, with the theme, “Beyond Numbers: The Conscience Behind the Nation’s Confidence.”
Seghosime said the accounting profession went beyond preparing financial statements, stressing that accountants had a responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability and public trust, particularly as Nigeria implements economic reforms and undergoes fiscal transformation.
She said, “When an investor commits capital, when a citizen pays tax, and when a development partner releases funds, each does so in confidence that the numbers are true and fair.” She urged members to speak truth to power and resist pressures capable of compromising their professional independence and the public interest.
“In this season of economic reform and fiscal transformation in Nigeria, the credibility of our institutions depends greatly on the courage and competence of our members.”
The ICAN president also urged accountants to embrace innovation, automation and data analytics as the profession responds to technological changes, while maintaining that these tools could not replace professional judgement and ethical responsibility.
On the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, she disclosed that the institute was developing plans to establish a business school aimed at strengthening members’ competencies and preparing them for emerging demands in the business environment.
The proposed institution is expected to commence operations in early 2027.
She said the institute was also investing in the capacity development of its members and students through reforms in professional training and examinations, including its transition to Computer-Based Examinations.
Meanwhile, Seghosime assured Nigerians that the ICAN Accountability Index would be released before the end of 2026, following ongoing efforts to ensure the credibility and accuracy of the assessment. She explained that the institute would not release the index until all necessary processes had been completed, insisting that the credibility of the exercise remained important.
She said, “We at ICAN just cannot release anything anyhow. A lot of work has taken place, and I assure you that the Accountability Index will be released as soon as we get that done”.
Seghosime also highlighted the contributions of ICAN members to Nigeria’s economic development, particularly their presence in strategic government positions, including the Ministry of Finance and other key public institutions.
She described members serving in such positions as ambassadors of the profession, whose conduct and performance could strengthen public confidence in the accounting profession.
As part of activities marking the International Accounting Day, the institute visited the office of the Chief Executive of Gab and Nuella Concept Ltd, Veronica Folorunsho, who commended the ICAN president and her team.
