RELEVANCE OF FORENSIC ACCOUNT TO THE OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF NIGERIA, S ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC)

This study investigates the impact of forensic accounting on the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria. The research aims to determine how forensic accounting contributes to the effectiveness of EFCC investigations, fraud detection, and prosecution success rates, while also identifying the major challenges hindering its implementation. A structured questionnaire was administered to sixty (60) respondents, including EFCC officers and accounting professionals. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, regression analysis, and correlation techniques. The results revealed that forensic accounting has a significant positive impact on EFCC's investigative and prosecutorial functions. Strong correlations were observed between forensic accounting practices and key performance indicators such as investigation efficiency, fraud detection, and prosecution success. Regression analysis confirmed the significant role of forensic accounting in enhancing fraud detection. However, the study also identified several limitations to the optimal use of forensic accounting in EFCC operations. These include the shortage of trained forensic accountants, political interference, high cost of forensic tools, and weak legal frameworks. The study concludes that forensic accounting is a vital tool in strengthening the fight against financial crimes in Nigeria. It recommends increased training, legal reforms, adoption of advanced forensic technologies, and institutional collaboration to improve the efficiency and success of EFCC operations.