The Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) has said equipping public officials who manage government funds with forensic accounting and auditing skills is critical to preventing corruption in the public sector.
The Provost of ACAN, Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a workshop titled “Achieving Zero Tolerance for Fraud and Corruption in MDAs through Forensic Accounting and Auditing.”
Ibrahim explained that the training targeted accountants, auditors and public finance officers because they operate at key points where corruption risks are often encountered.
According to NAN, ACAN is the training and research arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He said the workshop was designed to help participants identify financial loopholes, understand the consequences of fraud and resist pressures that could lead to corrupt practices.
Ibrahim stressed that ignorance of the law could not excuse financial misconduct, noting that continuous training would help strengthen accountability, transparency and integrity within the public service.
He said ACAN’s mandate goes beyond the arrest and prosecution of offenders, with greater emphasis on prevention, public enlightenment and education.
“Prevention is better than cure. How do you strategise and prevent the occurrences of corruption?” he asked.
The Provost disclosed that ACAN conducts monthly training sessions, with previous programmes involving chief executives, heads of administration, bursary officers and members of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units.
He said the academy would continue to strengthen the capacity of public officials to identify and prevent corrupt practices in government institutions.
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