The Accountant-General of the Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, has stated that public funds must yield measurable benefits for citizens across Africa. He said this during the Africa Accountant-Generals Conference in Accra, Ghana.
He explained that financial managers now carry responsibilities that go beyond basic bookkeeping. According to him, every public resource—whether in Cedis, Francs, Naira, or Dollars—must be managed with the understanding that decisions taken by accountants impact millions of lives.
A statement from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, signed by Director of Press Bawa Mokwa, noted that Ogunjimi described the modern financial environment as one shaped by digital innovation, data-driven governance, and global economic pressures. He said this environment demands that accountants act as strategic advisers and defenders of transparency.
Ogunjimi said the role of accountants is central to shaping national outcomes. He noted that the profession must balance present needs with long-term development goals. He said accountants today play critical roles in risk management, forecasting, and regulatory compliance, all of which guide the direction of public finance.
He called on accountant-generals and senior financial managers to remain active participants in national decision-making by using data to respond to economic shocks, strengthen accountability, and support growth. He said accountants must see themselves as catalysts for development rather than administrative officers working behind the scenes.
The conference brought together senior government officials and accounting professionals from across the continent to examine how public finance management is changing. Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen trust, credibility, and transparency in public institutions.
Economist and businessman Tony Elumelu told participants that Africa’s main challenge is not scarcity of resources but a deficit of trust and credibility. He said transparent and predictable public finance systems are the foundation for attracting capital. He added that excellence in financial management is essential for sustainable growth.
Elumelu urged accountants to deepen digital adoption, improve accountability structures, and ensure that financial processes support economic transformation.
