Anti-graft war : govt should partner with CIFA to succeed
Forensic
By Sylvester Thompson
Abuja, April 7, 2018 (NAN) Dr Victoria Enape, President, Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors in Nigeria (CIFA), has urged the Federal Government to partner with CIFA to succeed in its anti-graft war
She said that CIFA represented a global shift from traditional auditing practice to skilful deployment of science and technological tools to prevent, detect and resolve financial fraud.
Enape said this on Saturday in Abuja, during the training and induction of Professors, Doctors of Accounting and Accountants-General by CIFA in Nigeria.
She decried the inadequacies of traditional auditing which was largely responsible for the failure in tracking fraud cases.
According to her, CIFA is an expression of the response to what is already playing out in other countries to carve out a niche in the audit market in the area of forensic and investigative audit.
“Ours is a professional body to champion and regulate this special area of accounting and auditing to enhance transparency in advanced audit,’’ she said.
According to her, CIFA is a useful addition to the enormous task of checkmating the unremitting influence of corruption, fraud, money laundering and other financial crimes in the country.
She disclosed that the CIFA Bill, which passed through its second reading in the National House of Assembly on Jan. 31, would be beneficial to Nigeria.
She said that the bill would save Nigeria the cost of inviting foreign forensic auditors to investigate fraud cases.
Enape note that the bill would also help to strengthen the nation’s institutional frameworks, thereby bringing Nigeria at par with other developed countries in line with global standards and competitiveness.
“It will stimulate public confidence and enhance transparency and accountability in our economic system, government business and the society at large,’’ Enape said.
According to her, CIFA’s membership is not limited to accountants only.
“It incorporates professionals from other disciplines like criminologists, lawyers, security experts, and judicial officers among others.’’ (NAN)
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Editing by Ese E. Ekama