By Emmanuel Elebeke – Abuja

The Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) President, Dr. James Ekerare Neminebor, has urged professional accountants to uphold public trust, emphasizing their crucial role in fostering financial stability and driving economic growth in Nigeria.

Dr. Neminebor made this call at the opening ceremony of the 1st session of the 2025 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme in Abuja.
He acknowledged the efforts of the FCT Minister in infrastructure development and the Minister of Education’s commitment to improving the education sector.

The ANAN President stressed that professional accountants must prioritize the sanctity of public trust, recognizing the significant impact of their work on the economy and society.

The MCPD programme is a critical component of ANAN’s efforts to enhance the professional development of its members. The programme aims to equip accountants with the necessary skills and knowledge to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices ².

As part of the programme, participants will have access to various resources, including MCPD Lecture Papers and MCPD Resource Materials.
They will also have the opportunity to engage with industry experts and peers, sharing knowledge and experiences that can inform their practice.

While stressing the importance of public trust, Dr. Neminebor’s underscored the significance of professional accountants’ role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.

He stated that as the global economy grows more complex, professional accountants must uphold accounting, reporting, and auditing standards to ensure financial transparency and economic stability.

“We are not just number crunchers; we are guardians of public trust, our role extends beyond financial transactions, we are responsible for ensuring transparency, accuracy, and reliability in financial reporting. Public value management and promoting public interest must be at the core of our profession. Our credibility depends on society recognizing that we work for the public good.” he said.

Dr. Neminebor further noted that Nigeria faces significant challenges, including corruption and insecurity, and urged accountants to be at the forefront of tackling these issues. He stressed that accountants must drive public value by identifying and managing uncertainties that could impact national development.

He encouraged professionals to embrace sustainability reporting in their organizations, stating that by doing so, they would demonstrate a commitment to public interest and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic advancement. “By adopting these strategies, we affirm our role as key contributors to economic development, transparency, and accountability,” he stated.

The ANAN President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence, urging participants to take full advantage of the carefully selected topics and expert speakers at the MCPD programme.

He however, encouraged all professional accountants to remain steadfast in their duty to add value to Nigeria’s economy and maintain the highest ethical standards in their practice.