Across Nigeria’s business landscape lies a quiet group of professionals whose work determines how much trust investors place in the country’s economy, the auditors.
They don’t just look at numbers; they look behind them.
They check if profits are real, if losses are hidden, and if every naira adds up the way it should.
Their work gives investors, regulators, and the public confidence that companies are being honest about their finances.
Nigeria’s audit industry has transformed from a modest professional service into a formidable N28.2 billion powerhouse, marking an extraordinary 65% surge in 2024 alone.
With billions flowing through banks, oil companies, and manufacturing giants, trust has become one of the most valuable currencies in business. And in a country where financial scandals have shaken public confidence in the past, the role of audit firms has never been more critical.
These firms review financial statements, test company records, and sign off on reports that determine whether businesses are thriving or heading for trouble.
Behind the country’s largest and most trusted audit firms are a handful of leaders driving standards and redefining what financial credibility means in Nigeria. This article profiles the people leading Nigeria’s biggest audit firms, the professionals setting the tone for integrity, and trust across the financial system.
Here are the people leading Nigeria’s 10 most respected audit companies.
Anthony Oputa is the Regional Managing Partner for West Africa and Chief Executive Officer of Ernst & Young (EY) West Africa, one of the Big Four audit and advisory firms. He leads all EY operations in the West Africa cluster, shaping strategy, driving performance, and ensuring the firm maintains its reputation for integrity and excellence.
Anthony holds a B.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Jos and completed his secondary education at Federal Government College, Kano.
Oputa began his career at PwC in 1998, where he worked as a senior associate, providing audit and advisory services to financial institutions. He later moved into corporate finance, joining Access Bank in 2002 as Head of Corporate Finance, where he managed loan syndications, project financing, and advisory services before returning to the audit profession.
In 2015, he took on the role of West Market Area Financial Services Leader of Industry at EY, focusing on strategy and business development across West Africa. By 2018, he became Chief Operating Officer for the West Africa cluster, overseeing finance and operations while driving performance and efficiency across all services.
He assumed his current role as Regional Managing Partner and CEO in 2020, steering EY’s West Africa business and implementing global strategies locally.
Alongside his executive responsibilities, he continues to serve as Assurance Partner, Deputy Assurance Leader for Nigeria, Financial Services Leader of Industry for West Africa, and Head of Capital Market and Accounting Advisory Services for West Africa.
This is a great list you have put together here, however I noticed that you have left out some partners also doing great things in the Nigerian Accounting industry.
1. Uhabia Ojike of Forvis Mazars in Nigeria
I urge you to do more findings and maybe include more partners of reputable accounting and audit firms here in Nigeria
Also this list says Audit firms Incase you are doing one of Tax regulatory and advisory services, you might want to include
1. Ajibola Sogunro of Forvis Mazars
2. Albert Folorunsho of Kreston Pedabo.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts