By James Adedoyin 

Nigeria is a country blessed with talents in different areas. In the accounting and auditing profession, many are doing the country proud. Here are ten to watch:

1. Dr. Rabiu Olowo, PhD

Dr. Rabiu Olowo is a seasoned financial expert with extensive expertise in management accounting, auditing, and international financial reporting. Holding a PhD in the field, he is a Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA, CGMA), a Chartered Accountant (ICAN), and a Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA).

Dr. Olowo is also highly proficient in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), having earned certification from the ACCA. His broad and deep understanding of financial management, combined with his focus on internal controls and public sector accounting, positions him as a trusted advisor to both private and public sector organizations.

With a career marked by a commitment to excellence in financial reporting and governance, Dr. Olowo has contributed significantly to the advancement of accounting practices, ensuring organizations meet the highest standards of financial integrity.

2. Toyin Gbagi

Toyin Gbagi is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of KPMG in Nigeria and West Africa, marking the first time a woman has held this position within the firm. Before becoming COO, she served as the Partner and Head of Audit for Consumer & Industrial Markets, as well as the Head of People Strategy at KPMG Nigeria.

With over 26 years of experience, Toyin has provided audit, assurance, and advisory services to a diverse range of clients across various industries and economies. Her industry specializations include consumer markets, manufacturing, and telecommunications. She has acted as the engagement partner for audits of several large subsidiaries of multinational companies operating in Nigeria, including publicly listed entities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Gbagi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She has also completed the “Leading Professional Services Firm” program at Harvard Business School. Additionally, she is a member of the Institute of Directors and serves as the Co-Chair of Women Corporate Directors in Nigeria.

Throughout her career, Toyin has been recognized for her contributions to the development of telecommunications accounting in Nigeria. She served as the Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board Committee on Telecommunications Activities, which developed the Nigerian Accounting Standard governing telecommunications activities prior to the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the country.

In her role as Head of People Strategy, Toyin provided strategic direction to ensure KPMG Nigeria remained a leading employer, focusing on attracting and retaining top talent. She led the firm’s people strategic initiatives and championed its people agenda.

3. Victor Omaghomi

Victor Omaghomi is a seasoned finance, auditing and accounting executive with over a decade of experience in leading and optimising financial operations for multinational organisations. He holds a Master of Science in International Business from the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bowen University, Nigeria. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a trusted financial advisor, renowned for his strategic decision-making, proficiency in financial data analysis, and expertise in implementing tools and systems that drive profitability, cost reduction, and enhanced cash flow management.

As a management accountant at Microsystems International Limited in Watford, UK, Omaghomi has successfully overseen financial reporting for multiple legal entities, streamlined reconciliation processes, and optimised financial reporting efficiency. His proficiency in leveraging automation tools and ERP systems such as SAP and Oracle has significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced manual workload. Prior to his current role, Victor held key financial leadership positions at the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), where he spearheaded infrastructure expansion projects, secured multimillion-dollar grants, and optimised SAP ERP training programmes to reduce costs and enhance team proficiency.

Omaghomi’s core competencies span financial management, budgeting and forecasting, cost reduction strategies, audit coordination, and corporate governance. He is adept at cross-functional team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic financial planning, enabling organisations to achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence. His technological expertise includes financial reporting software, business intelligence tools like Power BI and Tableau, and automation systems that enhance decision-making and process efficiency.

Recognised for his contributions to the finance sector, Omaghomi has received the Global Recognition Award and the West Africa Accounting Profession Excellence Award. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA), a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), and a professional member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). Additionally, he holds certifications in Business Communications from the UH Business School and as a Certified Management Specialist (CMS) from the London Graduate School.

Omaghomi remains committed to leveraging data and technology to address complex business challenges, driving long-term value for the organisations he serves. His ability to analyse intricate financial landscapes and implement strategic initiatives makes him a valuable asset in any corporate finance leadership role.

4. Chukwuemeka Obiagwu

Chukwuemeka Obiagwu, FCA, is a highly accomplished and multi-disciplinary professional with a wealth of expertise spanning across various sectors. He holds a distinguished career, underpinned by a deep foundation in accounting, insurance, corporate finance, stockbroking, and public finance. With more than three decades of hands-on experience, Chukwuemeka has carved a significant niche in the banking and financial services industries, contributing to the growth and development of the sector.

In addition to his expertise in the corporate world, Chukwuemeka also boasts a strong background in public service, which has further enriched his understanding of governance, policy implementation, and public finance management. His strategic leadership has earned him recognition, particularly in his current role as the Executive Director at Wema Bank, where he has been pivotal in driving financial innovation and ensuring the bank’s continued success.

Throughout his career, Chukwuemeka Obiagwu has exhibited exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, consistently applying his vast knowledge to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape. His dedication to excellence and his ability to lead and inspire teams have made him a respected figure in both the banking and financial sectors.

5. Titilayo Fowokan

Dr. Titilayo Fowokan is a highly accomplished and distinguished professional who currently serves as the Group Head of Strategic Tax and Compliance at Dangote Industries Limited, one of the largest conglomerates in Africa. With an impressive career spanning over 27 years, she has gained extensive expertise in the fields of accounting, internal controls, fraud examination, and taxation, becoming a trusted leader in her field.

Throughout her career, Dr. Fowokan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to professional development and knowledge sharing. She has been actively involved in training and capacity building, dedicating significant efforts to the education and empowerment of professionals in the areas of taxation, accounting practices, fraud prevention, and internal controls. Her vast experience and in-depth understanding of these domains have made her a sought-after expert in addressing complex business and compliance challenges.

As a Chartered Accountant (FCA), Dr. Fowokan’s career reflects her dedication to upholding the highest standards of professional integrity, and her contributions to the advancement of the tax and accounting sectors are widely recognised.

Dr. Fowokan’s blend of academic excellence, practical experience, and passion for knowledge transfer has earned her respect in the corporate world and among professional bodies. She continues to be a key player in shaping the future of strategic tax and compliance practices, both in Nigeria and across Africa.

6. Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze

Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze is an entrepreneur and accomplished accountant with a strong commitment to driving sustainable growth within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. As the CEO of Accounting Hub at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Chioma brings her wealth of experience and expertise to support the development of Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. With over a decade of hands-on experience in bookkeeping, finance, and business consulting, she has honed her skills in various banking and finance organizations, where she has cultivated an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the SME sector.

Chioma’s career is marked by her unwavering passion for empowering businesses to thrive by fostering financial literacy, efficiency, and profitability. Throughout her journey, she has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to craft practical and scalable financial solutions, enabling SMEs to navigate complex economic environments and scale their operations sustainably. She is not only a trusted advisor but also a dedicated advocate for the growth of Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, leveraging her deep knowledge of finance to help shape a brighter future for businesses and communities across the continent.