The federal government has called on Accountants-General across the country to uphold the highest standards of accountability, credibility, and transparency in managing public finances.
This message came during the 2024 Capacity Building and Training Programme for Accountants -General across Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.
The programme focused on strengthening public finance management practices.
The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein, who gave the charge, stated that as custodians of public resources, accountants hold a significant responsibility to ensure funds are used efficiently, effectively, and for their intended purposes.
“It is our duty to establish and maintain robust mechanisms that can plan, report, and update the use of public funds to meet the expectations of our stakeholders and uphold our policies,” she said.
According to Dr. Madein, credibility in the accounting profession is built on consistency, reliability, and ethical behaviour.
She called for actions guided by the highest standards of professional conduct, emphasizing transparency and open communication with stakeholders. “Building credibility requires continuous commitment to professional development and adherence to best practices in public finance management,” she added.
She also noted the critical role of transparency, describing it as the foundation of good governance.
Transparency promotes openness, fosters trust, and deters corruption, Madein said, urging accountants to ensure financial information is accessible, comprehensible, and timely.
Highlighting the need for innovation, Dr. Madein encouraged the adoption of new technologies to enhance capabilities. She mentioned integrated financial management systems and data analysis as tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning within accounting offices was highlighted as essential for achieving excellence.
The retreat provided a platform to discuss and strategize on contemporary issues in public finance management.
The Accountant General of Sokoto state and chairman of the Forum of Accountants General, Umar B. Ahmed, underscored the theme of the retreat, “Contemporary Issues in Public Finance Management: A Call for Accountability, Credibility, and Transparency in Governance.”
He noted the critical role accountants play in shaping the financial landscape of Nigeria.
Ahmed emphasised the need for high standards of accountability, credibility, and transparency and called for the embrace of technology and modern practices to enhance financial reporting and tracking.
