Uyi Akpata
Discussant
Uyi Akpata is the immediate past Country Senior Partner for PwC Nigeria and Regional Senior Partner for PwC West Africa. A position he held from July 2014 to June 2023. In the past two decades, Uyi has worked to significantly enhance the standards and practice of accounting in Nigeria, contributed to shaping the Nigerian economy as a trusted advisor to many top businesses, impacted government policy and governance across various levels, and also supported various causes and initiatives, aimed at developing the community. He is a 1984 graduate of Accounting from the University of Lagos. He joined the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in 1986 and is currently a Fellow of the Institute. Uyi joined the renowned accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand (today known as PwC Nigeria) in October of 1984 and was admitted as a Partner in October 1992. In his 32 years as Partner, Uyi served as Assurance Engagement Leader in the audits of Oil majors, such as Chevron and ExxonMobil, and also
supporting independents in the area of Governance, strategy and sustainability advisory services.
In recent years, Uyi has focused on providing business advisory services to clients in the public sector, including various State Governments, and on a technical oversight/relationships role, engaging C-suite on significant matters affecting their respective industries. He supports a number of these clients in the development of economically viable and sustainable policies and implementation of innovative projects towards engendering inclusive growth and entrenching good governance in society.
Uyi served in numerous leadership positions within PwC Nigeria and Africa.
Notably:
Chairman of Governance Board for Africa Central Firms – 2008 to 2012.
Head of Oil & Gas for Africa – 2012 to 2015.
In recognition of his contribution to the business environment in Nigeria, Uyi was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management Science by the Wellspring University Benin City, Nigeria in 2019. A keen sportsman, Uyi is the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation. The Federation has received numerous awards especially in the areas of youth development, Cricket for good initiatives and for championing the involvement of females in the game. As part of his passion for youth development and sports, he, alongside his wife, founded the Promoting Ethics Through Sports ‘PETS’ Foundation. The PETS Foundation supports the development of Schools Cricket in Edo State and has given tuition scholarships to over 80 children to secondary and tertiary schools in the last 8 years.
Uyi established Rusa Advisory in July 2024, a firm focusing on Governance, Sustainability and Risk Advisory services to business leaders. He also mentors young entrepreneurs in strategy and business development. He is married to Obosa, and they have twin daughters.