Forensic Accounting Skills and Techniques in Fraud Investigation in the Nigerian Public Sector

Abstract

The research is designed to examine Forensic Accounting Skills and Techniques in fraud investigation in the Nigerian public sector. The population of this study comprised of 129 senior staff of the three Anti-Corruption Agencies in Nigeria (EFCC, ICPC, and CCB). The study methodology includes both primary and secondary sources of data collection; questionnaire was used in collecting primary data while secondary data were obtained from EFCC, ICPC and CCB. The data generated for this study were used for the testing of hypotheses using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and time series analysis with the aid of SPSS version 17.0. Our findings show that, first, forensic accounting skills and techniques have significant effect on uncovering and reducing fraud in the Nigerian public sector. The research recommends that, first, anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria should establish forensic units and forensic laboratories to allow room for more effective and efficient investigation of suspected and confirmed fraud cases. Second, the public sector (government) should develop interest in forensic accounting by making sure that forensic accounting is institutionalized in all ministries, extra-ministerial departments and parastatals to build up effective internal control system that will enhance more effective performance in the Nigerian public sector.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p243