FG directs agencies to present audited accounts for publication in Q1 next year

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

The Federal Government has directed all government agencies to present their audited accounts to be published in the first quarter of next year.

Speaking at the 56th Annual Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, stated that government financial reports and policy statements should be as routine as redeeming private statements.

“So what we are doing now is we are making a lot of policies. There will be block trains with lots of leads and processes. There can be effective consultations with the people,” he said.

In her remarks, the President and Chairman of the Council of ICAN, Queensley Seghosime, stated that Nigeria stands at a defining moment; reforms are under way, difficult decisions are being taken, and the economy recorded growth of approximately 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026.

Although she acknowledged the developments and the responsibility borne by those entrusted with national leadership, the ambition of Nigerians must reach beyond improved indicators, productive employment, thriving enterprises, stronger institutions and better living standards for everyone.

“As Nigeria looks towards the 2027 general elections, we are reminded that the enduring strength of a nation rests on institutions that command public trust, policies that outlive political cycles, and a shared commitment to the national interest. Our responsibility is not merely to prepare Nigeria for the next election, but to help build a Nigeria that will prosper well beyond it. National security today extends beyond the protection of lives and property, to the security of our food systems, energy supplies, digital infrastructure, livelihoods and institutions,” she said.

According to her, a secure environment enables enterprise to flourish. A productive economy creates jobs. Credible institutions sustain both. Beneath all of this, she maintained, lies one indispensable foundation: trust.

“Trust that public resources will be responsibly managed. Trust that investments will be protected. Trust that institutions will act with integrity. And trust that the sacrifices of today will deliver a better tomorrow. Trust is the true currency of every economy. It cannot be printed, borrowed or decreed. It is earned, report by report, audit by audit, decision by decision. And once lost, it is recovered only at great cost. This is where our profession bears a profound responsibility. Public confidence in financial statements, in public accounts and in the tax system rests, to a large degree, on the integrity of the Chartered Accountants,” she emphasised.

Seghosime noted that the greatest value of the accountancy profession is not measured by calculation but by the ability to question some irregularities.

“Our greatest professional value will not be measured only by what we can calculate, but by what we have the courage to question and the wisdom to improve. Permit me to pay tribute to the men and women who give life to these values every day: our members. In the public service, you steward the nation’s finances and bring discipline to budgets and public accounts at every tier of government. In our legislative houses, you bring rigour to appropriation and oversight. In industry and private enterprise, you lead finance functions, build businesses and create jobs. In practice, you uphold the integrity of financial reporting. In academia, you shape the minds that will lead this profession tomorrow,” the president stated.

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