The impact of forensic accounting on fraud prevention in public institutions: A case study of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
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Background of the Study
Forensic accounting has gained significant attention in recent years due to the increasing incidence of fraud in public institutions across the globe, including in Nigeria. Public institutions, which are often funded by taxpayers' money, are prime targets for fraudulent activities due to their large budgets and complex financial systems. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is one of the key players in Nigeria's economy, responsible for the exploration, production, and distribution of petroleum products. Given its significant role in the country’s economic development, the NNPC has become susceptible to various types of fraud, including financial misreporting, bribery, and misallocation of resources (Ogunleye & Akinpelu, 2024).
The adoption of forensic accounting techniques in the NNPC has been increasingly recognized as an essential tool in mitigating fraud risks. Forensic accountants utilize specialized skills to investigate and analyze financial data to detect fraudulent activities and to support legal action if necessary (Hussain, 2023). These techniques include data mining, financial statement analysis, and forensic auditing. Despite these efforts, challenges such as political interference, lack of adequate resources, and insufficient training of personnel have hindered the full potential of forensic accounting in preventing fraud within public institutions like NNPC (Ajibola & Ogundele, 2025).
This study seeks to assess the impact of forensic accounting on fraud prevention within the NNPC, focusing on the specific techniques used and the challenges encountered. By evaluating the effectiveness of these forensic accounting tools in the NNPC, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these techniques can be optimized for better fraud prevention in Nigeria’s public institutions.
Statement of the Problem
Fraudulent activities in public institutions, particularly in the NNPC, have been a persistent problem, leading to significant financial losses and undermining public trust in these institutions. Despite the application of forensic accounting techniques, fraud continues to be a major issue, with some frauds going undetected or unpunished (Oluwaseun & Nwosu, 2024). The NNPC, being a key government institution, plays a central role in Nigeria’s economic growth, and its vulnerability to fraud has serious implications for the country’s financial stability.
Forensic accounting has been touted as a powerful tool in detecting and preventing fraud, yet the effectiveness of these techniques in the NNPC remains largely unexamined. Additionally, there are challenges in the implementation of forensic accounting within public institutions, including a lack of skilled professionals, insufficient technological tools, and political interference (Adewale, 2023). Understanding how forensic accounting impacts fraud prevention in the NNPC, and the barriers faced in applying these techniques, is critical to developing more effective anti-fraud strategies for public institutions in Nigeria.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the impact of forensic accounting on fraud prevention within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
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To identify the challenges faced by forensic accountants in preventing fraud in NNPC.
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To evaluate the effectiveness of forensic accounting techniques in combating fraud in NNPC.
Research Questions
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How does forensic accounting impact fraud prevention within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)?
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What challenges do forensic accountants face in preventing fraud in NNPC?
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How effective are forensic accounting techniques in combating fraud in NNPC?
Research Hypotheses
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Forensic accounting has a significant impact on fraud prevention within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
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There are significant challenges faced by forensic accountants in preventing fraud in NNPC.
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Forensic accounting techniques significantly reduce fraud within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on the role of forensic accounting in fraud prevention within the NNPC, with an emphasis on the application of specific techniques. The scope is limited to the NNPC's operations and does not include other public institutions in Nigeria. The study is also constrained by the availability of data and the potential unwillingness of personnel to disclose sensitive information related to fraud incidents. Additionally, the research is limited by the time frame, which may not allow for a thorough examination of long-term trends or the full range of challenges associated with forensic accounting.
Definitions of Terms
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Forensic Accounting: The application of specialized accounting skills to detect, investigate, and prevent fraud within an organization.
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Fraud Prevention: The proactive measures and strategies employed to reduce the occurrence of fraud, including the use of forensic accounting techniques.
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Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC): A state-owned oil corporation responsible for the exploration, production, and distribution of petroleum in Nigeria.
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Employee Fraud: Fraud committed by employees within an organization, which may include theft, embezzlement, or financial misreporting.
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