In a bid to fight fraud and corruption in Nigeria, the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) has called on organisations and government to apply forensic accounting and investigation in their day to day operations.
The association has said that forensic accountants have been equipped with professional skills which they blend in related courses, and has so far proved successful in countries where they are applied in the fight against corruption and fraud.
Speaking during the anti-fraud/corruption seminar and award of excellence organised by the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), Godwin Eko, Group Head, Internal Controls and Audit, Oando Plc said “We need to look at how to apply forensic accounting skills in ensuring the integrity of financial statement. If we ensure the integrity of financial statement, the company will not die.”
Eko explained that apart from using people with audit experience to audit, forensic auditors in house can blend the skills together and will do better because they will see things in a general perspective rather than in myopic or unskilled perspective.
He further explained that the skills used by forensic accountants include legal skills, technology skills, audit skills, investigative skills, adding that forensic accountants present issues the way they are.
“In Nigeria, they do not consider forensic accounting fit in the fight against corruption. Our culture here is importing everything,” Eko said.
Speaking earlier at the seminar, Godwin Emmanuel Oyedokun, President of the Association said two aspects of moral philosophy that fraud examiners should consider are human judgement process, which deals with ways people analyse problems and standards or value such as honesty, faithfulness, and unselfishness.
Oyedokun commended the recent fight against corruption of the Federal Government led by President Buhari, adding that it should be sustained, all inclusive and supported by all Nigerians.
“However, there is an urgent need to establish special courts for the trial of fraud cases for speedy disposal of fraud matters, and to avoid delays. As we know, delay defeat equity. Corruption cases in Nigeria have not been handled in a serious manner,” he added.
Oyedokun disclosed that the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) trains the media on what forensic accounting and investigation is, publicise it and ensure members go through thorough training that will make them do their work in a professional manner.
Chinyere Okeke
