The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Nigeria has called on internal auditors, governance, risk and assurance professionals to strengthen their capacity to respond to emerging cybersecurity threats, artificial intelligence (AI) complexities and growing global economic volatility.
The call was made at the 12th IIA Nigeria National Conference, where the Chief Executive Officer of IIA Nigeria, Don Umeha, in his address, described the conference theme, “Future-Proofing Assurance: Confronting Cybersecurity Threats, AI Complexity, and Global Volatility,” as a strategic mandate and an urgent call to action for assurance professionals.
He noted that organisations were operating in an increasingly complex environment driven by rapid digital transformation, economic uncertainty and changing regulatory requirements, stressing that traditional governance structures alone may no longer be sufficient to address emerging risks.
According to him, cybersecurity has moved beyond being solely an information technology concern, as cyber incidents can have significant financial, operational, regulatory and reputational consequences for organisations.
He therefore urged assurance professionals to deepen their understanding of emerging technologies and work closely with management and technology specialists to strengthen organisational resilience.
On artificial intelligence, the IIA Nigeria CEO, Don Umeha acknowledged its potential to improve productivity, analytics and decision-making, but warned that its growing use also raises concerns relating to data quality, transparency, accountability, privacy, bias and the reliability of AI-generated outputs.
He said internal auditors and assurance professionals have an important role to play in helping organisations maximise the benefits of AI while ensuring that its deployment remains responsible, secure and properly governed.
The CEO also identified economic pressures, regulatory changes, geopolitical developments and supply-chain disruptions as factors capable of testing organisational resilience.
He stressed the need for forward-looking assurance that can identify emerging risks early, provide meaningful insights and support sound decision-making.
He described the conference as an important platform for professionals to share experiences, challenge conventional thinking and develop practical strategies for strengthening governance and assurance practices.
He further called on participants to translate the knowledge gained at the conference into practical improvements within their respective organisations.
According to him, professionals entrusted with accountability, integrity, transparency and confidence must continually develop their skills, embrace new technologies and maintain the highest ethical standards.
He added that “future-proofing assurance requires us to anticipate change, not merely react to it,” expressing confidence that the conference would provide valuable insights and practical solutions for navigating the increasingly complex business environment.
He thanked participants for their commitment to advancing the internal audit profession in Nigeria and wished them an engaging and productive conference
A brief history of the Institute of Internal Auditors
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Nigeria, is the Nigerian affiliate of the global professional body dedicated to advancing the internal audit profession, strengthening professional standards and promoting sound governance, risk management and control practices.
The global Institute of Internal Auditors was established in 1941 and is headquartered in Florida, United States. It serves as an international professional voice, recognised authority, advocate, educator and leader for the internal audit profession.
Its membership cuts across several professional fields, including internal auditing, risk management, compliance, information technology audit, education and security. The IIA is also responsible for developing and maintaining the professional standards and ethical framework that guide the internal auditing profession globally, now known as the Global Internal Audit Standards.
The Institute also administers globally recognised professional certifications, including the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), regarded as its flagship certification for internal audit professionals.
With a global membership of more than 270,000 professionals across over 180 countries, the IIA has established a significant international presence and continues to play an important role in the development and recognition of the internal audit profession.
IIA Nigeria Journey
The journey of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Nigeria, began in 2002 with its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a non-profit organisation.
Following the procedures and affiliation requirements of IIA Global, the Nigerian body operated as a chapter-in-formation before attaining full Affiliate status with IIA Global in 2013.
Over the years, IIA Nigeria has expanded its membership and professional activities, with members working across virtually every sector of the Nigerian economy. The Institute has continued to provide opportunities for professional development, networking, training, conferences and access to internationally recognised certifications.
The corporate office of IIA Nigeria is currently located at 52B Abraham Crescent, off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos.
As the Institute continues to develop, it has expressed its aspiration to establish a stronger presence across all regions of Nigeria, with the objective of making the benefits and professional support of the Institute more accessible to internal audit practitioners across the country.
Building the Next Generation of Internal Auditors
A key part of the Institute’s growth strategy is encouraging Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) and heads of internal audit functions to ensure that their internal audit personnel become active members of the professional body.
Beyond membership, IIA Nigeria encourages professionals to participate actively in its training programmes, conferences and networking activities while taking advantage of the globally recognised professional certification programmes offered by the IIA.
As organisations face increasingly complex risks arising from technology, regulation, financial pressures and changing business environments, the role of internal auditors continues to evolve.
For IIA Nigeria, the development of competent, ethical and professionally equipped internal auditors remains central to strengthening governance, risk management and internal control across Nigerian organisations.
The Institute’s journey from its establishment in Nigeria in 2002 to its full affiliate status in 2013 reflects the continued growth of the internal audit profession and its increasing relevance to organisations across the country.
Jacob Ipogah reporting
