Promote Transparency To Drive $1trn Economy Target , Tinubu Urges Accountants

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged accountants across the country to play a leading role in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable financial management practices as Nigeria pursues its ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the 55th Annual Accountants Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the President said his administration’s economic vision was anchored on job creation, access to capital, inclusiveness, and the rule of law, stressing that these pillars would be critical in building a resilient and globally competitive economy.

“The goal of propelling Nigeria’s economy to a trillion-dollar milestone by 2030 is not merely aspirational, but a call to action for all stakeholders, including accountants, financial leaders, and policymakers,” Tinubu declared.

He urged members of ICAN and professionals in the financial sector to champion transparency, data-driven policy support, and ethical leadership, noting that their contributions are indispensable to achieving national development goals.

“By embracing sustainable practices, transparent reporting, and accountable governance, we can unlock new growth opportunities, drive innovation, and build a resilient economy that benefits all Nigerians,” he said.

The President called on the accounting profession to champion financial transparency and discipline, provide accurate and data-backed insights for government policies, and collaborate in designing and implementing people-centred reforms that would accelerate development.

He also urged accountants to mentor young professionals and invest in innovations that would prepare the next generation for leadership in financial management and governance.

ICAN President Haruna Yahaya said the government has to build resilience by making Nigeria shock-ready and future-assured: strong institutions; a diversified economy; investment in people; and reliable infrastructure.

The ICAN year’s theme—“Building Resilience—Aligning Reforms for Nigeria’s Development”—speaks to an urgent national assignment. The ICAN President urged the authorities to ensure they match courage with cushioning, discipline with data, and reform with results in a bid to achieve the nation’s economic prosperity.

Yahaya pledged that ICAN would align finance with development – assurance and discipline, align taxes with fairness – standards and simplification and align truth with trust – public reporting as part of its commitment to strengthening effective public finance management in Nigeria.

ICAN has helped shape Nigeria’s economic story for sixty years – building standards, strengthening institutions, and mentoring generations. For fifty-five years, our Conferences have provided a forum where ideas became policies and recommendations became reforms – impacting governance across Nigeria and informing meaningful debates beyond our shores of this nation.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria stands at a pivotal stage in its national journey, and the decisions taken today by citizens, professionals, and leaders will define the country’s future.

“Let us commit to resilience, reform, and the development of our great country, Nigeria,” he said. “I urge ICAN to continue leading the charge in promoting ethical conduct, advocating for sound financial reforms, and supporting policies and programs that guarantee long-term development.”

Tinubu reaffirmed that the integrity of financial reporting and the success of public sector financial management reforms depend heavily on the professionalism of accountants, noting that investor confidence—both local and foreign—rests on their credibility and ethical standards.

He further called on the private sector and civil society organisations to partner with government and remain vigilant in ensuring that governance mechanisms uphold transparency and public trust.

“Together, we can build a future where economic shocks do not derail progress, governance becomes a beacon of integrity, and every Nigerian prospers in a sustainable and equitable nation,” Tinubu added.

Reflecting on the theme of the conference, the President appealed to the accounting fraternity to adopt the principles of sustainability, transparency, and prudence as guiding values in their professional conduct.

He described accountants as “custodians of public trust and guardians of the figures that either build or erode economic resilience,” stressing that their role in financial management is foundational to Nigeria’s economic stability.

“Your work is foundational to making Nigeria a place where resilience is not accidental but engineered,” he said.