Hon. Dr. Abdullahi Maikano Saidu’s impressive track record spans decades, with notable achievements in public finance management and anti-corruption initiatives. His competence and strength of character have strengthened institutions and promoted a culture of accountability with unwavering resolve, he has navigated the complex web of public sector accounting, identifying vulnerabilities and advocating for reform.
His expertise has been instrumental in shaping policies that promote accountability and integrity, and his experiences have sharpened his perspective in nation building such as in understanding of interconnections of various policies, economics and social welfare. In the area of appreciation for the critical role of nation building and recognizing the importance of transparency, accountability and ethical leadership.
Dr Saidu’s life began in Borgu Local Government, Niger State, Nigeria, where he was born into a family that valued education and integrity. His early years were marked by a strong sense of community and cultural heritage, shaping his perspective on life and instilling values that would guide his future endeavours.
His academic journey commenced at the Local Government Authority Primary School in Borgu, where he demonstrated exceptional aptitude and dedication to learning. He later attended the Government Secondary School in Borgu, excelling in his studies and developing a passion for mathematics and accounting. Upon completing his secondary education, he pursued higher studies in accounting, earning an advanced degree and subsequently a Ph.D. in Public Sector Accounting. This academic achievement and exposure laid the foundation for a distinguished career in accounting, public service, and anti-corruption advocacy.
Explaining what informed his career path, he said: ” I became inspired to pursue a career in public sector accounting to enable me contribute to ensuring effective utilization of resources for social benefit of citizens, my interest in policy implementation and impact and above all is my desire to serve the public interest.”
Throughout his career, he has participated in various local and international training programs to enhance his skills and knowledge. These programs include budgetary and budget implementation training in the UK, international standard financial reporting training in the UK, financial investigation training in New York, forensic auditing training in Canada, and forensic investigation training in Canada.
As a vision-driven professional, he holds memberships in prestigious organizations; he is a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria, and he is an Associate of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the UK, and a registered member of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.
Dr. Saidu’s remarkable career has been marked by exceptional achievements in accounting, public service, and anti-corruption advocacy and his professional journey which has covered public sector accounting, financial reporting, and corporate finance has characterized by dedication, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. He began his career in the Treasury Department of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), Headquarters, Lagos where he moved to Kano Zonal Distribution Headquarters, as a District Accountant at Hadeija District Office in Jigawa State. He continued in Jos Zonal Distribution Headquarters, as coordinating Business Units Accountants across Bauchi, Bukuru, and Gombe business units. His last role in the electricity power sector was a Business Manager at the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), where he excelled from November 2013 to November 2014. One of his proudest contributions was being part of the team that developed the “Operational Accounting Manual and Guidelines” for accountants and internal auditors in PHCN, which is now utilized by the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC). This work not only reflects his commitment to enhancing financial practices in the sector but also underscores his dedication to fostering accountability and efficiency in the electricity industry.
His professional engagement and consultancy services spanned from December,2013 to January,2019 where he served as the CEO/Lead Consultant at A. M. Said Konzults Ltd Kaduna with branch in Federal Capital Territory, the firm engaged in Management Consultancy, Training and General Services and provides invaluable guidance to clients seeking expertise in public sector accounting and financial management. He is also the Managing Partner of A.S. Maikano & Co. (Certified National Accountants) specialized in Accounting, Audit, Tax services.
Passionate about human capital development, he established the Association of National Accountant of Nigeria (ANAN) approved study Centre in Kaduna in 2018. Additionally, he is the founder of Saidu Abubakar Memorial Schools (SAM School) in Kaduna, and he has started the process for the establishment of Saidu Abubakar Memorial Islamic Foundation, Wawa, Borgu, Niger State. Beyond his distinguished career, he has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropy, driven by a passion for empowering communities and fostering social development. His philanthropic efforts focus on education and youth empowerment. SAM School provides quality education to underprivileged children, offering access to free education, state-of-the-art facilities, and mentorship programs.
On the 4th February, 2019, his reputation as a champion of accountability and transparency earned him an appointment by the former President of the federal republic of Nigeria- president Muhammadu Buhari GCFR followed by a screening and confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. he was sworn in as a full-time member of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) alongside the Chairman and other members.
Dr. Saidu has brought his expertise to bear on the Commission’s critical mandate as a Chartered Accountant representing the accounting profession and the people of the North Central geo-political zone, he was privileged to lead several Standing and Ad hoc Committees, making significant contributions to the fight against corruption in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. His roles include: Chairman of the Standing Committee on ICPC Prevention Mandate; Chairman of the Standing Committee on System Study and Review ; Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on the Review of ICPC Conditions of Service and Member of the Ad hoc Committee on ICPC Re-organisation and Scheme of Services.
In addition to the above, he has authored several publications focused on combating corruption, including: ‘Strategies to Prevent and Block Revenue Leakages in Federal Government Revenue-Generating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)’ ; ‘ The Role of Professional Accountants in the Fight Against Corruption ‘ ; ‘ Anti-Corruption Fight in Nigeria: The Role of Accountants in Filling the Gaps Against Corruption ‘ , and ‘ The Role of Professional Accountants in Anti-Corruption Crusades in Nigeria ‘
His contributions to the ICPC as Member of the Commission have been significant, with a focus on prevention, investigation, and prosecution of corrupt practices. He advocates for strategic repositioning of anti-corruption agencies, greater involvement of professional accountants in corruption management, and enhanced internal control mechanisms and professionalism. His publications on combating corruption have shed light on effective strategies for preventing and blocking revenue leakages in federal government revenue-generating ministries, departments, and agencies.
As a seasoned accountant and anti-corruption expert, he shared his wisdom with aspiring professionals, emphasizing the importance of integrity, honesty, and moral responsibility.
Dr. Saidu advised aspiring accountants to embody the core value of integrity, encompassing essential traits such as honesty, mutual accountability, discipline, honor, transparency, faithfulness, commitment, dependability, trust, perseverance, self-esteem, self-control, and truthfulness.
