FORENSIC ACCOUNTING AND FRAUD MANAGEMENT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the significance of forensic accounting in fraud management in Nigeria.
public sector. The study applied primary data through the administration of questionnaires to
accountants and internal auditors from three states of the North-Eastern geo-political zone of
Nigeria. The population of the study is composed of 134 accountants and internal auditors. The study is based on
on the census, as the total population is considered in the analysis. linear regression was used in
the analysis, with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23). The findings
show that there is a significant positive relationship between forensic accounting and the
detection and prevention of corruption and fraud. However, there is an insignificant but positive
relationship between forensic accounting and bribery in the public sector. The study recommends
that there is a need to engage the services of forensic accountants in public sector organizations
and be provided with the necessary tools to deter fraudulent activities and prevent crime from being
committed by all means, and the government should ensure that there is a regulatory body to
provide the guidelines to regulate forensic activities and, above all, embrace integrity, objectivity,
fairness, and accountability in their activities.