The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has inaugurated Aviation Chapter with the investiture of pioneer leadership, as the institute called for flexibility and visionary financial strategy rooted in the industry.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, described the inauguration of the Aviation Chapter as a timely and visionary step that aligns with ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Speaking at the event in Lagos, the minister commended ICAN for its continued commitment to nation-building through financial integrity and governance.
Represented by the Director, Special Duties, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, Mr. Henry Agbebire, the minister remarked that the newly inaugurated chapter, launched under the theme: ‘Flightpath to Financial Excellence: Integrating Strategy, Systems, and Standards’, would play a crucial role in fostering professional excellence and instilling financial discipline across the aviation value chain.
According to him, the synergy between finance and aviation is critical to driving infrastructure development and ensuring operational sustainability in the industry.
He therefore expressed confidence that the chapter’s activities, including its advocacy and thought leadership would help bridge the gap between technical operations and financial stewardship, ultimately contributing to sustainable growth in the sector.
The guest speaker at the event and General Manager, Operations Integrity Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd, Nelson Wilbert, emphasised capital efficiency, demand-driven investments, data-backed planning, and a performance culture that links financial goals with operational outcomes.
“Strategic financial leadership is about asking the right questions. Ask yourselves: Are we funding the future or merely financing the past and maintaining the present? Are we investing in resilience as much as profitability, or just mitigating risks? A mission-minded strategy embraces anti-fragility—the ability to grow stronger amid volatility. It means prioritizing capital efficiency, data-driven foresight, and investments that don’t just withstand disruption but thrive because of it,” he said.
Pioneer Chairman of Aviation Chapter of ICAN, Ayodele Olatiregun, said the chapter is founded on three pillars which include professional excellence, strategic collaboration and sustainable system.
“Today we chart a course on a vital journey – a flight path to financial excellence. Like a well-coordinated Air traffic operation, achieving financial excellence in our aviation sector requires three critical elements: a clear strategy, efficient systems, and adherence to sound standards,” Olatiregun said.
