BY MICHAEL EBOH

THE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, is to hold a parley with the federal and states government, and stakeholders in the Nigerian economy on ways to address the infrastructure problems of the country.

According to a state-ment signed by Mr. Dayo Ajigbotosho, ICAN’s Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs, announcing the 41st Annual Accountants’ Conference of the Institute, infrastructure challenges has been a major factor militating against the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

To this end, he said Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance and Head of Economic Team, is expected to deliver the lead paper in the conference titled, ‘Infrastructural Transformation & Sound Financial Management for Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria”

He noted that other issues that will be discussed include the International Financial Reporting Standards, IFRS, the issues and challenges confronting its adoption in emerging economies; performance measurement in the public sector and the paradox of climate change and challenges for professionals.

Ajigbotosho further stated that the conference, which has as its theme, ‘The Dawn of Transformation: Embrac-ing Change and Seizing Opportunities,’ which will take place in Abuja, from Monday, October 17 to Friday, October 21, 2011, is expected to be declared opened by President Goodluck Jonathan, while the Vice President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, is expected to grace the closing ceremony of the event.

Speaking on the forthcoming conference, Professor Francis Ojaide, ICAN President, said this year’s conference is a definite step towards making a significant impact on governance process, both in the private and public sectors.

According to him, Nigeria is facing serious infrastructural challenges which have continued to impact negatively on the nation’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.

“If the prosperity of businesses is to translate into the prosperity of the nation, there must necessarily be infrastruc-tural transformation which will drive economic growth and development for the benefit of the citizenry,” he said.

According to Ajigbotosho, the Senate President, David Mark, is expected to preside over a gala night, where a star prize of a brand new Kia Picanto car, among other prizes, will be won at the raffle draw scheduled as part of the conference fun package which includes competitive sporting activities like golf, table tennis, swimming, novelty football match, lawn tennis, jogging, squash, excursions and business exhibitions.