Meet 10 Managing Partners steering Nigeria’s leading audit firms 

Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /var/www/nairametrics/wp-content/themes/nairametrics/functions.php on line 104

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.

Abiodun Ariyibi – Managing Partner, SIAO Partners

Abiodun Ariyibi is the Managing Partner of SIAO Partners, one of Nigeria’s leading audit, taxation, and advisory firms. With over 25 years of professional experience, he is widely recognized for his expertise in forensic auditing, financial reporting, debt recovery, loan restructuring, corporate reorganization, and taxation.

Abiodun began his professional journey at Olusola Faleye & Co. before joining PKF Nigeria, where he served as Partner from 2003 to 2009. In 2009, he joined SIAO Partners as Partner and Head of Audit and Assurance, a role in which he oversaw several high-profile audit engagements across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors. His leadership and technical depth earned him elevation to Managing Partner in 2022, where he continues to drive the firm’s strategic growth and client service excellence.

Beyond his core audit responsibilities, Abiodun serves as an Asset Management Partner with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and is a Sponsored Individual of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), underscoring his strong regulatory and governance credentials.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Ambrose Alli University and an Executive MBA in Business Administration from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. His professional track record reflects a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on experience across diverse financial and advisory disciplines.

Alexander Peddler – Managing Partner, Nexia Agbo Abel & Co.

Alexander Peddler is the Managing Partner at Nexia Agbo Abel & Co. He has spent close to two decades rising through the firm’s ranks, from trainee to partner, before assuming leadership as Managing Partner in January 2023.

Peddler joined Nexia Agbo Abel & Co. in 2006 and has since held progressive roles, including Audit Senior, Manager, Senior Manager, Director, and, later, Partner in 2021, before his eventual appointment as Managing Partner in 2023. Over the years, he has led multiple high-impact projects in risk management, audit transformation, corporate governance, and process improvement, working with clients across both public and private sectors.

His expertise covers assurance, taxation, and financial reporting, with a strong focus on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and data analytics for business intelligence.

He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and also a certified IFRS specialist.

Peddler holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Finance and Investment) from Ahmadu Bello University and a postgraduate certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics from the University of Texas at Austin.

Tajudeen A. Akande – Managing Partner, PKF Nigeria 

At the helm of PKF Nigeria, Tajudeen A. Akande has become one of the most recognizable figures in Nigeria’s accounting and audit landscape. As Managing Partner, he oversees one of the country’s oldest indigenous professional services firms, driving its transformation and strengthening its global connections through the PKF International network.

A chartered accountant by training, Akande began his career in 1988 with Akintola Williams & Co. (now Deloitte) before joining PKF Nigeria in 1993. Over the years, his expertise in audit, finance, and advisory has positioned him as a trusted professional voice in Nigeria’s financial sector. His rise through the firm’s ranks reflects a career built on precision, consistency, and leadership.

Today, Akande also serves as PKF’s International Liaison Partner and sits on the African Regional Board of PKF International, where he contributes to shaping the firm’s strategy across the continent. His focus on collaboration and innovation has helped PKF Nigeria stay competitive in an industry dominated by global players.

Born and educated in Nigeria, Akande earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Benin in 1988. He later obtained a Master’s in Finance from the University of Leicester, UK, between 2002 and 2005, and has since completed several executive programs, including at the Lagos Business School (2000) and the Harvard Business School (2011).

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD), and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CITN), Akande is known for combining technical competence with a clear vision for ethical leadership in business.

Ajibade Fashina – Managing Partner, Kreston Pedabo 

Ajibade Fashina leads Kreston Pedabo, one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous audit and advisory firms, where he has built a reputation for combining deep technical knowledge with practical business insight.

With nearly three decades of experience, he has played a key role in shaping the firm’s growth and influence across Nigeria’s professional services space.

Fashina began his career at Ernst & Young, Lagos, where he worked as a senior auditor handling clients in oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and the service sectors. His early years in the financial services industry, where he also served as head of finance and administration, gave him hands-on exposure to how real businesses operate beyond the books.

In 1998, he co-founded Kreston Pedabo, stepping into a market dominated by international firms and gradually building a name for credibility and quality service. Over the years, he has led major consulting projects covering due diligence, capital raising, business restructuring, and profit improvement strategies for both local and multinational clients.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Fashina is also an alumnus of the Lagos Business School.

His leadership at Kreston Pedabo continues to reflect his commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the belief that indigenous firms can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global brands in quality and integrity.

Oluwole Ogundeji – Senior Partner, Baker Tilly Nigeria 

Oluwole O. Ogundeji serves as Senior Partner and National Business Leader for Audit and Assurance at Baker Tilly Nigeria, one of the country’s leading professional services firms. With more than three decades of experience, he has built a reputation for precision, integrity, and leadership in Nigeria’s audit and assurance space.

Ogundeji began his professional journey in 1991, when he joined the dissolved firm of Z. O. Ososanya. After its dissolution, he continued his career within the restructured practice, where his consistent performance and technical depth earned him a place in the firm’s leadership. By October 2004, he was admitted into the partnership, a milestone that reflected his growing influence in Nigeria’s accounting sector.

Over the years, Ogundeji has led audit engagements across key industries including manufacturing, oil and gas, banking, finance, stockbroking, and services, bringing hands-on expertise that strengthens corporate governance and financial transparency.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Associate member of the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN), Ogundeji has dedicated his career to upholding professional standards and helping organisations build credibility through sound financial reporting.

Oluwatosin Dare-Abel – Managing Partner, Crowe Dafinone

Oluwatosin Dare-Abel is the Managing Partner at Crowe Dafinone and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). She has built a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades, delivering audit and advisory services across a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, construction, real estate, public and private companies, and non-public interest entities.

Dare-Abel holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Ado-Ekiti (2003), an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University (2016), and a Diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards (ACCA).

Dare-Abel joined Crowe Dafinone in 2006 as an Audit Trainee, marking the start of a progressive career in auditing and quality control. She advanced through roles including Audit Senior, Audit Supervisor, and Assistant Manager in Audit Quality Control.

By January 2022, she became Manager of Audit Quality Control, overseeing and supervising the execution of audit quality projects, establishing relationships with internal stakeholders, and providing coaching to engagement teams to enhance audit processes and maintain high-quality professional standards.

Her leadership trajectory continued as she was appointed Partner, Audit and Assurance in August 2022, a role she held until July 2024. She now serves as Managing Partner, a position she assumed in July 2024, where she directs the strategic operations of the firm and ensures compliance, regulatory guidance, and quality of service across client engagements.

Tola Adeyemi – Senior Partner, KPMG Nigeria/CEO, KPMG West Africa 

Tola Adeyemi is the Senior Partner of KPMG in Nigeria and the Chief Executive Officer for KPMG West Africa, one of the Big Four audit and advisory firms.

With more than 35 years of professional experience, he has become one of the most recognisable names in Nigeria’s audit and advisory landscape.

He joined KPMG over three decades ago and was admitted as a Partner in 2000. Before assuming his current position, he served as Partner and Head of the Audit and Assurance Services division, where he advised clients across financial services, energy, consumer and industrial markets, telecommunications, and the public sector.

Tola holds a first-class degree in Accounting from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. He is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), as well as a member of the Institute of Directors (IoD). Over the years, he has attended leadership programmes at the Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, Wharton, and INSEAD.

As CEO of KPMG West Africa, Tola provides strategic direction for the firm’s growth in the region, overseeing its operations and aligning its goals with the firm’s global vision. He also serves on the KPMG West Africa Board and the KPMG Africa Board, where he contributes to policy decisions and regional strategy.

Beyond the firm, he sits on the boards of several organisations, including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), LEAP Africa, where he chairs the Finance Committee and the Redeemers University Audit Committee.

Anthony Oputa – Regional Managing Partner, West Africa/CEO, EY West Africa 

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.

Sam Abu- Regional Senior Partner, PwC West Market Area, Lagos, PwC Nigeria

Sam Abu leads PwC Nigeria as Country Senior Partner and serves as the Regional Senior Partner for the West Market Area, roles he assumed on 1 July 2023. PwC, one of the global Big Four audit and advisory firms, provides audit, tax, and consulting services to businesses and governments worldwide. In his dual capacity, Sam shapes strategy, oversees operations, and ensures high-quality service delivery across Nigeria and the West Market Area.

Sam’s career at PwC spans over 23 years, including experience in both Nigeria and the UK. He began his professional journey auditing and advising clients across multiple industries, from financial services to energy and telecommunications. His extensive experience has seen him take on several leadership roles, including West Market Area Assurance Leader and Financial Services Leader for Nigeria, where he oversaw key audit and advisory engagements for major institutions.

He also served on the PwC Africa Governance Board for six years, contributing to policy-making and strategic oversight across the continent. These roles helped shape his approach to leadership, combining operational excellence with a focus on building trust and delivering measurable outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

In his current role, Sam is responsible for driving PwC’s strategic agenda in Nigeria and the wider West Market Area. He focuses on strengthening corporate governance, improving operational efficiency, and fostering a high-performance culture within the firm.

Under his leadership, PwC continues to maintain its position as one of Nigeria’s most respected audit and advisory firms, helping businesses navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring transparency and accountability in financial reporting.

Fatai Oladipo – CEO, Deloitte Nigeria/ West Africa Leader

Fatai Oladipo is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Deloitte in Nigeria and the West Africa Leader. He was a member of the Deloitte Global Advisory Council and currently a member Deloitte Africa Executive Committee (EXCO).

Prior to his role as the CEO, Fatai was the Firm’s West Africa Tax Leader up to June 2015. In his nearly three decades of professional practice. Fatai has served many internationally renowned and locally reputable clients across the various sectors of the economy.

Fatai was appointed the Deputy CEO of Deloitte Nigeria in December 2015. Effective 1 June 2016, Fatai took over the leadership of the Firm as the CEO and Regional Leader of Deloitte West Africa. In his role as CEO and West Africa Regional Leader, he is responsible for formulating and driving the firm’s strategic agenda and positioning the firm as the undisputed leader in professional practice in the region.

He is passionate about leveraging the capabilities within Deloitte to support initiatives of the government with far-reaching impacts on the economy and wellbeing of the people. He drives the overall strategy of ensuring that the firm continues to make tangible impacts with clients, its pool of talent and the community.