Governor Muhammad Bago has invited the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria to audit Niger’s financial records in a bid to enhance transparency, correct discrepancies, and identify areas for improvement.

Mr Bago disclosed this while declaring open the 20th Northern Zone Accountants Conference held in Minna.

Mr Bago said the audit would serve as a model for other states, highlighting that transparency and fiscal discipline are essential for good governance and economic growth.

“The theme of this conference is timely and reflects the current realities of our nation. Accountability, rebuilding trust, fostering national values, and stimulating economic growth are imperatives we must pursue relentlessly,” the governor said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions of accountability and urged participants to generate actionable recommendations that could help governments at all levels build resilient systems and restore public confidence.

Earlier, the ICAN president, Haruna Yahaya, expressed delight at the partnership to audit the state’s financial records and assured that ICAN would remain independent in carrying out the task.

Additionally, information minister Mohammed Idris stated that the conference’s theme aligned with the national agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as accountability is the cornerstone of every thriving society.

The minister said his ministry was deepening citizen engagement as well as opening government initiatives.

The minister stated that accountability was a shared national responsibility, and as such, everyone must be committed to it to unlock Nigeria’s future.

(NAN)