Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to champion the enforcement of reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to partnerships that promote development, transparency, and accountability.
The Minister made the call in Abuja when he received a delegation of ICAN led by its President, Haruna Yahaya, during a courtesy visit to his office.
He stressed the vital role professional bodies play in strengthening institutions and shaping policies that promote accountability and good governance.
“The promotion of accurate information, public orientation, and responsible governance is central to the inherent values of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It is in this regard that we call on ICAN to support the ongoing reforms of this administration, and in light of the new tax policy that will commence from January 2026, we urge that you champion the cause in your financial and professional sphere.
“Let me assure you that the government of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR (the President being an accountant himself), is committed to partnerships that promote transparency, accountability, and institutional strengthening in pursuit of our national development,” he said.
According to Idris, President Tinubu’s reform agenda is anchored on responsible leadership, fiscal discipline, economic transformation, digitisation of government processes, and a transparent interface with citizens.
“Reforms must not only work, but citizens must also clearly understand them. This is why collaboration with reputable professional bodies like ICAN is essential. We welcome your expertise as partners in public communication, public financial management, and civic orientation. Together, we will build transparency, restore public trust, and strengthen national institutions,” Idris noted.
The Minister commended ICAN for its role in upholding ethical standards and promoting best practices in both the public and private sectors.
Constructive Partnerships
He assured the Institute of the government’s commitment to fostering constructive partnerships that deliver reforms which are transparent, people-centred, and accountable.
“I also commend ICAN for its long-standing tradition of stakeholder engagement. Sustained dialogue between professional bodies and government agencies is essential to national progress. Please be assured that the Ministry will thoughtfully consider the proposals you have presented today and identify concrete areas where we can work together for the benefit of the Nigerian public,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the President of ICAN, Haruna Yahaya, commended the Ministry for its role in promoting national cohesion and transparency, stressing that building trust in government is critical to the success of economic reforms.
“Your voice has repositioned Nigeria within the D8 community and international forums, showcasing resilience, innovation, and reforms. Perhaps one of the most enduring achievements is the rejuvenation of the National Reorientation Campaign.
“Through creative, data-driven, and multimedia-powered messaging, you have reminded us that national values are not sentimental ideas. They are infrastructure of national greatness. You have restored urgency to the call for integrity, unity, and patriotism.
“These achievements align with ICAN’s position papers, which assert that truth is the foundation of trust, and trust is the cornerstone of national progress,” he said.
Yahaya restated ICAN’s commitment to using its platforms to simplify government reforms into citizen-friendly messages, expand financial literacy, and support ethical governance.
He stated that by partnering with the Ministry, ICAN can help deepen national understanding of financial transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship.
“In the spirit of nation-building, ICAN proposes collaboration in the following strategic areas: reform communication partnership, leveraging ICAN On Air and our national platform to translate technical economic reforms into clear, citizen-friendly messages; capacity-building for Ministry officials; joint research and policy collaborations on personal finance, digital and public finance systems, information gaps in Nigeria, the effect of communication on the populace, and asset-backed fiscal sustainability; digital public financial management and transparency education; and national orientation and value integration through co-developed programmes that reinforce ethical leadership, transparency, and fiscal responsibility,” he added.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) was offered access to the Federal Government’s public information platforms, including state-owned media organisations and national orientation channels, to support financial literacy, ethical leadership campaigns, and public enlightenment on economic reforms.