Governor Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has called on accountants across Nigeria to rise to the occasion and offer practical solutions to the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
This call was made on Monday morning when the Governor received the leadership of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), led by its National President, Mr. James Ekerare Neminebor, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Dutse.
In his remarks, Governor Namadi extended a warm welcome to the ANAN leadership team, expressing his appreciation for their decision to hold the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Program (MCPD) in Jigawa State.
He acknowledged the importance of continuous professional development, particularly in the ever-evolving field of accounting.
“The accounting profession is very dynamic, and accountants must stay updated to remain relevant. Given the severe economic crisis Nigeria is facing, including uncontrollable inflation and an unstable exchange rate, it is imperative for accountants to come together and find solutions,” Governor Namadi said.
The governor, who himself is a chartered accountant, stressed the critical role that accountants must play in addressing these economic challenges, noting that while the issues are global, Nigeria requires homegrown solutions tailored to its unique context. He encouraged accountants to use their expertise to advise policymakers and take on governance leadership roles to influence key decisions.
“We need to return to the drawing board and offer practical, implementable solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges. If each state builds on its comparative advantage, we can address the immediate issue of how to feed ourselves as a country.”
Governor Namadi emphasized the importance of professionals in governance, pointing out that the Jigawa State Executive Council is made up of professionals from diverse fields such as engineering, accounting, and health. He assured the ANAN leadership of the state government’s continued collaboration with professional bodies for the benefit of Jigawa State and Nigeria at large.
In response, the ANAN National President, Mr. James Ekerare Neminebor, expressed his gratitude to Governor Namadi for the warm reception and support given to the association. He commended the governor for the significant development and financial accountability observed in Jigawa State, which has become a model for other states in Nigeria.
Mr. Neminebor also highlighted the importance of the MCPD program, which aims to keep accountants up-to-date with the latest trends in technology and innovation in accounting internal controls. He noted that the training program, expected to attract between 3,000 and 4,000 participants, is crucial for ensuring that accountants can continue to serve effectively and reflect current realities in their work.
The ANAN President formally invited Governor Namadi to open the training program scheduled to begin on Tuesday, reiterating the association’s commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s economic development through continuous professional education.