“Adedeji Highlights ICAN Members’ Pivotal Role in Strengthening Nigeria’s Financial System”

A Milestone in Professionalism and Ethical Tax Administration

In a defining moment for Nigeria’s accounting and tax administration landscape, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) on Tuesday inaugurated its Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chapter, reinforcing its commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and excellence in tax administration.

ICAN President Davidson Alaribe, speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, underscored the strategic significance of the chapter, citing FIRS as the largest employer of chartered accountants in the country. With over 2,800 ICAN members at the agency—out of the body’s 66,000 nationwide—the chapter aims to solidify professionalism, enhance financial integrity, and elevate Nigeria’s tax administration framework.

FIRS as a Beacon of Financial Expertise

Acknowledging the pivotal role of FIRS in Nigeria’s economic development, Alaribe commended the agency’s Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, for spearheading a transformation that has significantly improved revenue collection for the three tiers of government. He urged the newly inaugurated ICAN-FIRS chapter to uphold the profession’s ethical values and actively engage members to establish a strong foundation.

The FIRS chairman, represented at the event by Dr. Dick Irri, Coordinating Director of the Medium Taxpayers Group, emphasized the agency’s commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and professionalism. Adedeji, a Fellow of ICAN himself, reaffirmed his dedication to supporting the institute and its members, highlighting their indispensable role in strengthening Nigeria’s financial system.

“ICAN is dear to me in many ways. Apart from being a Fellow of ICAN, we have close to 3,000 ICAN members working in FIRS. Their professionalism and adherence to ethical standards have set a benchmark that others strive to meet,” Adedeji remarked.

Forging a Future of Integrity and Growth

Pioneer Chairperson of the ICAN-FIRS chapter, Dr. Josephine Onyia, expressed gratitude to Adedeji and the FIRS leadership for their support, pledging to foster a culture of lifelong learning and professional excellence.

“As members of a noble profession, we are crucial in upholding financial integrity, fostering economic advancement, and promoting trust within the business community,” Onyia stated, reaffirming the chapter’s commitment to driving excellence in tax administration and revenue collection.

With a dynamic leadership team, including Vice-Chairperson Mrs. Adenike Adegoke, General Secretary Abdurauf Aderemi, Treasurer Mrs. Patricia Ofili, and Publicity Secretary Mr. Aduka Borr, the ICAN-FIRS chapter is poised to reinforce ethical financial management and further enhance Nigeria’s tax ecosystem.

A New Chapter in Nigeria’s Economic Development

The inauguration of the ICAN-FIRS chapter marks a new era in Nigeria’s fiscal management, demonstrating the synergy between professional bodies and government agencies in driving efficiency, accountability, and economic growth. With figures like Adedeji and Alaribe championing this vision, the role of ICAN members in FIRS will continue to expand, setting new standards for financial transparency and tax administration in Nigeria.