ICAN Inaugurates FIRS Chapter, Lauds Adedeji’s Reforms

 

The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Davidson Alaribe, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chapter of the professional body, charging officers to uphold the ethical standards of the accountancy profession.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, Alaribe emphasised the significance of the chapter, noting that FIRS is the largest employer of chartered accountants in Nigeria. He disclosed that out of the country’s 66,000 chartered accountants, over 2,800 are in FIRS, making it the government agency with the highest number of ICAN members.

Alaribe also commended the FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, for his transformational leadership, which he said has repositioned the agency as a vital driver of national economic development. He acknowledged the FIRS boss’s efforts in ensuring increased revenue generation, transparency, and professionalism in tax administration.

“I must commend the FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, for the remarkable transformation happening at the agency. His leadership has further reinforced the importance of professionalism in financial management and revenue collection,” Alaribe said.

In a statement by his Technical Assistant (Media), Sikiru Akinola, Adedeji reiterated his commitment to upholding ethical standards and supporting ICAN members within the agency.

PplRepresented by the Coordinating Director (Medium Taxpayers Group), Dr. Dick Irri, the FIRS boss noted that ICAN members have consistently demonstrated excellence and professionalism in their duties.

“ICAN is dear to me in many ways. Apart from being a Fellow of ICAN, we have close to 3,000 members working in FIRS. I like to tell you that all your members have always upheld the core values of ICAN. They have set standards others are working to catch up with,” Adedeji said.

He further emphasised that the establishment of the ICAN chapter within FIRS would strengthen professionalism, foster collaboration, and enhance revenue collection processes.

The newly inaugurated ICAN-FIRS chapter pledged to uphold ethical financial practices and promote continuous learning among its members.

In her acceptance speech, the pioneer chairperson of the FIRS-ICAN chapter, Dr. Josephine Onyia, expressed appreciation to the FIRS chief and his management for their unwavering support in setting up the unit.

“As members of a noble profession like ours, we are crucial in upholding financial integrity, fostering economic advancement, and promoting trust within the business community. I am honoured to be the pioneer chairperson of the ICAN-FIRS chapter, and I assure you that we will contribute actively to the advancement of the accounting profession and revenue collection for national development,” she said.

Onyia also promised to create opportunities for professional growth by ensuring that members have access to resources that will enable them to excel in an ever-changing financial environment.

Other officers of the chapter include Mrs. Adenike Adegoke (Vice-Chairperson), Abdurauf Aderemi (General Secretary), Mrs. Patricia Ofili (Treasurer), and Mr. Aduka Borr (Publicity Secretary), among others.