The Causes of the Ineffectiveness of Selected Statutory Anti-Corruption Establishments In Fraud Prevention And Control In The Nigerian Public Sector

Abstract

One of the major attributes that have eluded the Nigeria policy for a long time is accountability and transparency. The fact that accountability seems to be the major road to good governance makes it inevitable. It is apparent that, without a reversion to this cardinal attribute fraudulent practices will continue to exist. It is on this note that this study titled: The causes of the ineffectiveness of selected statutory anti-corruption establishments in fraud prevention and control in Nigerian public sector is aimed at identifying strategies and measures that will strengthen the effectiveness of the commission in their fight against corruption in the Nigerian public sector ensure accountability and transparency. The researcher adopted content analytical method. The study revealed that lack of internal control system, poor financial records, keeping and inadequate qualified accounting staff and more so, plea bargaining and presidential pardon on fraudsters affect the effectiveness of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practice Commission (ICPC). The implication of the findings is that, it will be difficult for the government to succeed in the fight against corruption in Nigeria if the identified problems are not addressed. The recommendation of the study is for everybody to collaborate with the EFCC and ICPC to get rid of corruption in Nigeria, government should ensure that the public sector officials discharge their duties in compliance with the code of conduct guiding the public sector.

Key word: Anti corruption agencies, fraud and corruption