AGF tasks accountants on probity, accountability

Mr Ahmed Idris, Accountant General of the Federation, has urged accounting professionals to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in the use of public resources.

He said this when members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Abuja and District Society, visited the Nations’ Treasury House in Abuja, to commemorate this year’s International Accounting Day.

Idris, who was represented by Mr Zubairu Salawu, Director, Consolidated Account Department, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, said it was important to ensure public financial management for the development of the country.

“We have over 3,000 accountants working in the public sector and as we know today is globally recognised as accounting day.

“And like we always say that it is only accountants that are recognised in heaven because there is always accountability in heaven, that is to show the role that accountants play in the society at large.

“The accountancy profession is contributing greatly to the welfare, security, progress and development of this nation.

“It is also important for the public to also know that the role the accountants play is so great that nothing actually can happen in the society without the accountants.

“So the accountants are the treasury keepers, they keep the records and for effective management of resources, it is the accountants you call upon to guide you.

“On this special day of our profession, we want to appreciate ourselves but it is important to bring to the fore the role accountants play.

“With better accountability, there will be better performance of the economy.

“That is why for us as professionals, we have that responsibility to stick to our professional ethics of ensuring accuracy, integrity and ensuring probity in all that we do,” he said.

Dr Abdulrasheed Balogun, Chairman, ICAN Abuja and District Society, said accountants in the country had been making positive impact toward economic development.

“We have been making our mark and making positive impacts on the global market towards economic development and International development.

“We are here today to make our words known to the public that ICAN is marking this day.

“The day recognises the role of accountants, as accountants have been in the saddle of events in promoting economic development worldwide.

“In Nigeria, without accountants there can be no accountability, transparency, probity, openness,” he said.

On her part, Queen Seghosime, ICAN Council member, appreciated the accountant general for all his reforms in promoting the accounting profession.

“I bring greetings from the president as well as council members and indeed more than 55,000 members of ICAN.

“I say to you, we appreciate all the reforms taking place here since the coming into office of Idris and we will continue to support you,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day started with a road walk from the ICAN House through Berger junction and ended at the office of the AGF.