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The Nigerian Association of Corporate Treasurers has urged companies to implement artificial intelligence and digital financial solutions to enhance their treasury operations and boost business effectiveness.

The organization issued the statement in Lagos during the media unveiling of the 2025 Treasury360 Conference, Exhibition & Corporate Treasury Awards, set to take place on November 6 and 7, 2025, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

At the event, Yinka Ogunnubi, President of ACTN, stated that the 2025 conference would center on “Navigating Treasury Challenges in Nigeria: Utilizing Digital Finance & AI to Enhance Efficiency,” noting that the theme highlights the increasing role of technology in corporate treasury operations.

He stated that the organization had selected the subject well before AI became a widely discussed global issue. “We had evaluated the environment and understood that digital transformation and AI represent the future,” he mentioned.

We aim to assist our members, who engage in these discussions on a regular basis, in understanding the tools available, how to apply AI policies, and how to safeguard their organizations throughout the process.

Ogunnubi highlighted that the organization’s goal was to inform treasurers about how new technologies could transform their approach to managing risk, liquidity, and capital. “Artificial intelligence is here to remain. You can’t avoid it; it’s wiser to confront it directly rather than flee,” he stated.

He mentioned that earlier ACTN conferences addressed issues like foreign exchange fluctuation and supply chain challenges, but the 2025 event will center on digital innovation and change. “This is a highly significant and relevant subject,” he said. “Attendees at this conference will gain valuable insights into how to utilize technology in treasury management.”

The head of ACTN also praised the Federal Government’s recent financial and monetary changes, calling them “courageous and beneficial.”

We have observed changes in foreign exchange security and inflation control, which have enhanced market liquidity,” he stated. “The government has demonstrated the ability to carry out reforms that boost trade and the economy, and we can only wish these initiatives continue.

As stated by Ogunnubi, effective treasury leadership has become increasingly essential in assisting organizations to manage Nigeria’s unpredictable business landscape.

He stated, ‘The gap between companies that have professional treasury managers and those that don’t is significant.’ ‘Conducting business in Nigeria is challenging and unpredictable; only experienced treasurers who have the proper training and ethical standards can handle these risks efficiently.’

He mentioned that ACTN continues to focus on enhancing the skills of treasurers via education and career advancement initiatives.

At the ACTN, our emphasis has been on providing treasurers with the necessary tools, expertise, and platforms to succeed,” he said. “The upcoming conference will include organizations and banks presenting their offerings, while treasurers will exchange insights on effective practices.

Ogunnubi encouraged businesses to hire corporate treasurers instead of relying on accountants for the role. “If your company doesn’t have a corporate treasurer, you’re losing out on many opportunities,” he stated.

The president of ACTN outlined major topics that the conference will cover, such as AI-driven treasury systems, digital foreign exchange and liquidity management, risk reduction in the face of economic uncertainty, modernization of payment systems, and finance strategies focused on environmental, social, and governance factors.

The Treasury360 Conference is more than just an event; it serves as a platform for solutions,” he stated. “Our objective is to enable treasurers to make improved financial choices, strengthen business stability, and promote treasury as a key factor in creating value.

The gathering will include leading policymakers and business figures, such as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso (Special Guest of Honour); the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Emomotimi Agama; and technology entrepreneurs like Yele Oyekola, Wole Ayodele, Ola Oyetayo, and Olaitan Martins.

ACTN also revealed its 2025 conference sponsors, among them FirstBank of Nigeria Limited (Headline Sponsor), FMDQ Group Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, Fincra, Duplo, and Oando Plc (Gold Sponsors). Additional supporters are Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, WAZA, May & Baker Plc, and Verto.

Ogunnubi highlighted that the event will conclude with the 2025 Corporate Treasury Awards, which will honor exceptional accomplishments in categories including Corporate Treasury Team of the Year, Best B2B Payment Digitisation Initiative, Best FX Risk Management Strategy, and Most Digitally Transformed Treasury Department.

He advocated for increased policy consistency and a unified foreign exchange system to aid Nigeria’s economic development.

We call on regulators and decision-makers to keep creating a supportive environment that helps companies succeed,” he stated. “Nigeria is at a critical moment, and strong leadership from the treasury is more essential than ever to stabilize markets and promote financial advancement.

Additionally, Benedict Ologbosere, the Chairman of ACTN’s Events and Planning Committee, mentioned that embracing AI and digital finance could enable treasurers to transition from tactical to strategic positions within their organizations.

When we moved from using cash to becoming less reliant on it, it initially appeared challenging, but it enhanced efficiency,” he said. “That is the role of AI and digital finance; they will speed up processes, make them smarter, and increase effectiveness.

Ologbosere mentioned that incorporating AI into treasury processes would remove administrative delays and improve cash flow management.

In today’s world, once your bank collection system is linked with your enterprise resource platform, customer payments are updated instantly, allowing delivery to start right away,” he stated. “It entirely eliminates the delays that previously slowed down business operations.

He emphasized that digital transformation would not render treasurers obsolete but instead make them more strategic. “Artificial intelligence will enable treasurers to concentrate on liquidity planning, cash flow management, and risk reduction—key strategic functions that contribute value to organizations,” he stated.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).