ICAN Inaugurates FIRS Chapter, Commends Adedeji’s Leadership
By Patience Ikpeme
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has inaugurated a new chapter within the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), recognizing the leadership of the agency’s chairman, Zacch Adedeji.
This development shows the growing collaboration between ICAN and Nigeria’s foremost tax authority in promoting professional excellence and financial integrity.
In a statement signed by Sikiru Akinola, Technical Assistant (Media) to the FIRS chairman, ICAN President Davidson Alaribe stated that FIRS employs over 2,800 of Nigeria’s 66,000 chartered accountants—more than any other government agency. He described this as a testament to the agency’s commitment to professional and ethical financial practices.
Alaribe praised Adedeji for his transformative leadership at FIRS, positioning the agency as a crucial driver of Nigeria’s economic development. Under Adedeji’s guidance, FIRS has implemented strategic reforms that have boosted tax compliance and financial discipline, ensuring that government revenue remains steady for key national initiatives.
The ICAN-FIRS chapter comes at a critical time when Nigeria’s revenue generation strategies face heightened scrutiny. Alaribe urged the chapter’s officers to uphold ethical standards and actively engage members to strengthen the new body’s foundation and reputation. He pledged ICAN’s commitment to supporting the chapter and fostering continuous professional development among its members.
Representing the FIRS chairman at the inauguration, Dr. Dick Irri, Coordinating Director of the Medium Taxpayers Group, called on the newly elected ICAN chapter leaders to maintain high ethical standards in their professional duties.
Adedeji, a Fellow of ICAN, expressed his deep appreciation for the institute’s contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector. He noted that FIRS employs nearly 3,000 ICAN members, many of whom set the standard for excellence within the organization. He emphasized that the establishment of the chapter reflects the vital role chartered accountants play in Nigeria’s economic framework.
In her acceptance speech, the pioneer chairperson of the ICAN-FIRS chapter, Dr. Josephine Onyia, thanked Adedeji and FIRS management for their support. She assured of the chapter’s commitment to upholding financial integrity, fostering economic advancement, and promoting trust within the business community. She pledged to cultivate a culture of lifelong learning and professional development to ensure that members remain equipped with the necessary skills in an ever-evolving financial landscape.
The newly inaugurated executive members of the ICAN-FIRS chapter include Vice-Chairperson Mrs. Adenike Adegoke, General Secretary Abdurauf Aderemi, Treasurer Mrs. Patricia Ofili, Publicity Secretary Mr. Aduka Borr, and others. Their leadership is expected to further strengthen the professional standards and contributions of chartered accountants in Nigeria’s tax administration.
