Gov. Muhammad Bago of Niger has invited the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to audit the state financial records in a bid to enhance transparency, correct discrepancies, and identify areas for improvement.
Bago made this known while declaring open the 20th Northern Zone Accountants Conference held in Minna.
The conference, themed “Accountability and National Re-orientation: Unlocking Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Potentials,” brought together financial experts and policymakers to discuss strategies for national development.
Bago said the audit would serve as a model for other states, highlighting that transparency and fiscal discipline are essential for good governance and 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,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions of accountability and urged participants to generate actionable recommendations that could help governments at all levels build resilient systems and restore public confidence.
Earlier, the ICAN President, Malam Haruna Yahaya expressed delight at the partnership to audit the financial records of the state and assured that ICAN would be independent in carrying out the task.
Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the theme of the conference aligned with the national agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as accountability was the cornerstone of every thriving society.
Represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba- Ndace, the minister said his ministry was deepening citizen engagement as well as opening government initiatives.
The minister said that accountability was a shared national responsibility and as such, everyone must be committed to it to unlock Nigeria’s future.
