Background of the Study
Forensic auditing has emerged as a specialized field within auditing, designed to detect, investigate, and prevent financial irregularities and fraud. Its application in the public sector is critical for ensuring financial accountability, particularly in resource-rich countries like Nigeria, where corruption and mismanagement have historically plagued government agencies (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2023).
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as the nation’s leading revenue-generating agency, has been a focal point for allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption. To address these issues, forensic auditing has been introduced to scrutinize financial activities and enhance accountability (Eze & Lawal, 2024). By identifying fraudulent activities and providing evidence for prosecution, forensic auditing aims to restore public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s oil wealth.
This study evaluates the impact of forensic auditing on financial accountability within the NNPC, focusing on its effectiveness in detecting fraud, enhancing transparency, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
Statement of the Problem
Despite efforts to reform the NNPC, financial irregularities, and corruption remain persistent challenges, undermining public trust and the agency’s contribution to national development. Traditional audit mechanisms have proven inadequate in detecting and addressing complex fraudulent schemes within the organization (Ibrahim & Okonkwo, 2025).
The introduction of forensic auditing represents a targeted approach to address these deficiencies. However, its effectiveness in improving financial accountability at the NNPC has not been comprehensively evaluated. This study seeks to fill this gap by assessing how forensic auditing influences transparency, fraud detection, and resource management within the NNPC.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on the impact of forensic auditing on financial accountability within the NNPC, covering the period from 2019 to 2024. It examines forensic audit reports, financial statements, and fraud cases within the corporation. Limitations may include restricted access to forensic audit data and potential non-cooperation from respondents due to the sensitive nature of the subject.
Definition of Terms
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