Appraising the roles of ANAN in nation building
Accountants and auditors play majors role in national development. The roles in the society transcend keeping records and disbursement of monies. They are critical stakeholders in nation building, particularly in the growth of the economy.
On Jan.1 1979 a group of accountants formed the National Association of Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) to inject more professionalism and discipline in the profession.
The move was part of the broader objectives to leverage accounting in enhancing socio-economic development of the nation.
ANAN, among other mandates, seeks to impact on accounting education and practice in a comprehensive manner and advance the science of accountancy in Nigeria, with a focus on the production of well-honed professionals.
Prof. Benjamin Osisioma, President and Chairman of Council, ANAN says it is truly a national body whose training programme reflects the desire of the country to meet internationally accepted standards in all fields, including accounting.
He was recently quoted by a publication as saying that ANAN members had been involved in whistle blowing long before the Federal Government recognised it as an anti-corruption tool.
"To further contribute to anti-corruption drive of government, we are partnering Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on forensic accounting training," he said.
An initiative of Society for Forensic and Fraud Prevention, he said the partnership trains ANAN members in forensic accounting at the ICPC facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
According to the ANAN boss, the association is a member of International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Board Member of Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) and the second largest professional accountancy
He said the association had established a mono-university, a post-graduate university, the first of its kind in Nigeria in order to advance courses in accountancy and auditing in the country.
"Our desire as an administration is to build a community of mutual respect, where they grow professionally, feel fulfilled, contribute to a common good.
"I am personally committed to a virtue-oriented approach to decision making based on a foundation of value-based leadership.'' Osisioma said.
Dr Kayode Olushola, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ANAN, said the association would use its no fewer than 48,000 membership strength to contribute to nation building and good governance through transparency.
"Professionalism in accounting is an important factor in nation building and this is what we seek to inculcate in accountants.
"They must discharge their duties in a manner that engenders transparency value for money wherever they find themselves," he said.
ANAN leadership recognises the fact that these ideals will not be achieved without the right structures and reforms.
"As at today, we have embarked on and also successfully concluded restructuring in certain key areas such as manpower, infrastructure, processes and procedures.
"We are building and reactivating alliances, partnerships and collaborations that are aimed at strategically repositioning the Association for the future," Olushola said.
A legal luminary, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), said the association should take advantage of its legal backing to advance the cause of transparency in the country.
At ANAN's 40th Presidential Dinner in Abuja recently, Uche described the body as unique, adding that it should strive to accomplish more in encouraging young people to take to accounting and auditing professions.
The ANAN solicitor advised members to desist from any action capable of putting them at conflict with the law, adding that they should remain law-abiding in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Dr Musa Mohammed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), Corporate External Relations of ANAN, said it was imperative for members to avoid actions that could tarnish the image of the association.
According to him, ANAN leadership will not hesitate to take disciplinary actions against members found wanting in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
