Forensic Accounting Investigation of Public Sector Corruption in Nigeria: The Gioia Methodology

Despite the increased initiatives to combat corruption, the issue of corruption in the public sector in Nigeria persists. Past studies have found that one of the flaws is due to the ineffective investigation method. Given the seriousness of the issue, this study explores how forensic accounting investigation conducted by the authorities could assist the government in its initiatives to combat corruption in Nigeria. This study aimed at developing a model for improving the investigation of public sector corruption in Nigeria using forensic accounting techniques. Forensic accounting is a technique for detecting and investigating fraudulent practices in organizations and preparing evidence for expert witnessing at the court of law. In doing so, the Gioia Methodology was used to explore the understanding of the process of how forensic accounting is used to investigate corruption cases. We conducted a total of 24 face-to-face interviews with experts from the two leading anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). We conducted in-depth interviews with purposively selected participants to gain an insightful data structure. The data structure led to the emergence of a dynamic model depicting the relationship among themes and the aggregate dimensions. The study revealed four aggregate dimensions, commitment of national values, judicial reform, a preventive mechanism and financial commitment. The study recommends future studies to be conducted using quantitative research to test the model developed

Forensic accounting investigating techniques and the public sector corruption in Nigeria

The aim of this study is to understand the investigation of public sector corruption in Nigeria using forensic accounting techniques. Essentially, this study seeks to gain this understanding from the perspective of the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is the leading anti-corruption body in the country. Understanding of the conceptualization of public sector corruption in Nigeria was sought from the perspectives of the experts in the anti-corruption body. With this pace set and the understanding of the forensic accounting investigation gained, the study proposes a model for improving forensic accounting investigation in Nigeria. Using multi-method approach, case study approach from the qualitative research paradigm was employed for the understanding of public sector corruption (PSC) and the investigation of PSC using the forensic accounting techniques. Additionally, the Gioia method was used to develop the improvement model. Interviewing, observation and documentation were used to source data for the study. The findings of the study were constituted under three aspects covering the understanding of public sector corruption in Nigeria, the procedure for the investigation and prosecution of PSC using forensic accounting techniques and improved model. From the understanding of PSC in Nigeria, Six themes were established to account for its persistence. The forensic accounting investigation revealed that EFCC is into more reactive investigation than the proactive one and that there is a demarcation line between the forensic accountants and other investigators. Workable solutions should be tailored toward addressing wholly the causes of the persistence of PSC identified in Nigeria and every citizen should be a stakeholder in the fight against corruption. EFCC should be more into the proactive type of investigation and that forensic accountants should take the centre stage of all investigations of the PSC in Nigeria

Mitigating corruption using forensic accounting investigation techniques: the watchdog perspectives

Corruption has been one of the everyday concern for many nations. The effect of corruption has been very devastating in countries across the globe including the developed nations. However, reports indicate that the developing nations are more susceptible to corruption and particularly within the public sector. Nigeria is an example of a developing facing the problem of corruption within the enclave of its public-sector services. Essentially, public sector service performances in Nigeria is inseparable from corruption in one form or the other. Over the years, successive have been making efforts to address the issue of corruption in the country. These efforts eventually saw the emergence of the setting up of two prominent anti-corruption agencies. Still with these agencies corruption persists in the country. Part of the problem identified is lack of competent investigative machinery to appropriately dig into the root of all corruption cases and to prosecute such cases in the court of justice. It follows that the forensic accounting investigation technique is identified as the best option and the anticorruption agencies have adopted the technique in their investigation. This study, therefore, using qualitative research methodology based on in-depth interviews with experts from these agencies, examines the efficacy of the technique. Data collected were manually coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Through rigorous within the case and cross-case analyses of the 24 interviews conducted, two themes emerged as the findings to the study. Forensic accounting is considered an appropriate technique for adequately investigating public sector corruption and at the same is suitable for court purposes in the prosecution and conviction of corrupt officers. Finally, the study recognizes the need to enhance the capacity of the investigators through training and retraining as well as through the provision of the latest equipment

Dividend policy and political uncertainty: Does firm maturity matter?

Previous evidence has shown that numerous factors influence dividend policy, but how political uncertainty affects a firm’s cash dividend policy remains blurry. This study examines the relationship between cash dividends and political uncertainty in Nigeria. More so, the study analyses whether this relationship prevails on matured and non-matured firms. The study employed ordinary least squares dummy variable (LSDV) approach with robust standard error on a data set of non-financial listed Nigerian firms. The results revealed that political uncertainty strongly influences firm’s cash dividend, and a matured firm tends to pay greater dividends than non-matured firms (firms with more growth options). Thus, this finding suggests that matured firms pay more dividends during period of political uncertainty. Consequently, the study supported the agency theory and the life cycle theory

Corruption typology: a review of literature

Corruption is increasingly becoming a global phenomenon virtually affecting every part of the world. The effects have been very devastating particularly in the developing nations, by which to a large extent public service functions thrive in an environment heavily characterized by corruption. This paper reviews the relevant and related literature on corruption and then proposes a classification of the type of corruption based on the revie

Environmental Management Reputation Effect on Financial Performance of Nigerian Companies

The paper examined the effect of environmental management reputation on financial performance of the Nigerian companies. This was informed by the need to explore the strategic importance of the EMS_ISO certification and clear the doubt about its contribution to the Nigerian companies’ profitability. It was posit that environmental reputation brings about brand loyalty and incentives. This ultimately increases profitability and subsequently the financial performance of the companies. Data was collected from 11 Nigerian companies operation in environment sensitive industries for a period of 5 years. The regression analysis shows the reputation has a significant positive effect on the companies’ financial performance. That is achievement of environmental reputation through certification contributes to profitability. This finding contributes to the Natural Resource Based theory by supporting the strategic use of environmental reputation to achieve financial performance. Though, caution should be exercised in the use of this finding. This is because of the companies’ characteristics and contextual issues related to level of economic development of Nigeria. It is recommended for further study that to investigate other forms of performance such as operational and social performance. Also improvement in the method can be made with the use of path analysis (SEM) instead of only robust regression

Influence of Corporate Taxpayers Knowledge on Tax Compliance Behaviour under Self-assessment System in Nigeria

Self- assessment system (SAS) is system under tax administration that encourages voluntary compliance. This system make it possible for taxpayers to self-assessed themselves and file in accurate tax returns authoritatively. This right could only be exercised if the taxpayers have appropriate knowledge on tax and the system as a whole. This paper intend to explore relationship between corporate taxpayers’ knowledge on SAS and compliance behaviour. A survey questionnaire was distributed to domestic companies in Nigeria whose number were 196 and listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Out of 196 companies, 83 responded and were analyzed using a multiple regression model. The findings in the study, suggest that there is a positive relationship between knowledge on SAS and compliance behaviour which is also significant. The tax authority should increase its education programmes on SAS, to give the taxpayers more knowledge of SAS in the country

The Moderating Effect of Tax Knowledge on the Relationship between Tax Rates and Tax Compliance of MSMES in Nigeria

Findings from prior studies have confirmed the inconsistencies and weak relationship that exists between tax rates and tax compliance. This study, therefore, tested the strength of the relationship between tax rates and tax compliance of MSMEs by introducing tax knowledge as the moderating variable. From 500 questionnaires administered, 325 were collected and from data cleansing 304 respondents were tested. Stratified and proportional sampling techniques were used in selecting the samples. The study found that tax knowledge moderated the relationship that exists between the tax rates and tax compliance of MSMEs in Nigeria. Also, the study found that tax rates and tax knowledge have a significant effect on the tax compliance of MSMEs in Nigeria. Tax literacy is important in improving the basic tax education of the citizens and trust in government. The study, therefore, recommended that the government should include taxation in the curriculum of elementary classes in Nigeria