Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on chartered accountants in Nigeria to take a leading role in combating corruption, which he described as dangerously becoming a norm in the country. The former Head of State made this call on July 10, 2025, when he received the leadership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The visit was part of activities marking the investiture of the 21st Chairman of the ICAN Abeokuta and District Society. ICAN President, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, mni, Ph.D., FCA, led the delegation and expressed gratitude to Chief Obasanjo for his longstanding support of the accounting profession and national development. He reaffirmed ICAN’s commitment to driving reforms anchored on professional excellence, innovation, and indigenous solutions, and also extended an invitation to the former President to attend the Institute’s 55th Annual Accountants’ Conference and 60th Anniversary celebration.
In his remarks, Chief Obasanjo applauded the Institute’s efforts in upholding transparency and standards but challenged its members to play a more proactive role in the anti-corruption drive. He urged accountants to go beyond technical audits and develop bold, actionable reform proposals that could significantly reduce graft, particularly in the public sector.
According to the elder statesman, corruption in Nigeria has become deeply entrenched and cannot be addressed through rhetoric alone. He emphasized the need for professional bodies like ICAN to use their expertise and moral authority to drive real change.
The meeting ended on a cordial note, with members of the ICAN delegation thanking Chief Obasanjo for his warm reception and encouragement. They expressed optimism that the Institute’s ongoing collaboration with national stakeholders will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s governance and economic integrity.
