The Joint council of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) have advocated fiscal reforms that trickle down and impact on the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Besides, the joint council of the professional bodies appealed to Governments and private organizations to consider qualified auditors and financial experts to drive fiscal reforms for effective implementation.

The submissions were part of resolutions reached at the end of the 6th ANAN/ CITN Joint Council Retreat 2026 with the theme: Beyond The Reset: Advancing Fiscal Reforms for Sustainable Economic Growth in Nigeria, ended in Kano.

Chief Hajiya Zuwairah Talatu Kishimi, 14th President and Chairman of Council of ANAN, explained the role of professionals auditors and financial experts in strengthening economic reforms for sustainable growth.

Hajiya Kishimi opined that managers of fiscal reforms, including members of the two professional bodies have the responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline to advance public finance.

The ANAN President however insisted that beyond the implementation of new fiscal reforms the Nigerians are seeking economic growth that reduce poverty, create job opportunities and enhance likelihood.

She explained that as professional the bodies are committed to advocate reform to strengthen tax compliance through transparency, fiscal responsibility, reduce leakages, while strengthening professional integrity in practices.

On his part, the 17th President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. Innocent Ohagwa argued that it is high time the authorities prioritize engagement of professional to navigate institutional reforms for effective and efficient results on fiscal reforms.

Although, the CITN President recognized the introduction of new economic policies, he believed economic policies must be tailored to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, one of the lead paper presenters and Professor of Public Law, AbdulMumini Bala Ahmad called for greater professionalism and ethical leadership in Nigeria’s fiscal policy and institutional reform processes.

Ahmed, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, advanced the need to strengthen fiscal governance and promote sustainable economic development in Nigeria.

He argued that professional responsibilities should be entrusted to qualified professionals with the requisite knowledge and expertise, stressing that the country could not achieve meaningful fiscal reform by appointing individuals to positions based primarily on geographical or regional considerations.

According to him, “If you really want to get there, ask the person who knows the road,” emphasising that professionals should play a central role in policy development and implementation.

The three days Retreat which attracted policy makers, professionals, academia and council members of both professional bodies across the country examined the Nigeria’s fiscal reform journey, evaluate the progress made, identify existing gaps and collectively chat strategic pathways towards a resilient economic growth.